Cancelled and delayed flights are the most common issues encountered by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU 261 regulation, which guarantees that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU 261/2004 specifies the situations when passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance during flight disruption.
Here, you will find everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and under what circumstances you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers departing from or arriving at Birmingham Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights if they experience significant cancellations or delays. These rights include:
- Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper meals and beverages during the waiting period.
- Access to means of communication: Passengers should be provided two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- Hotel accommodation if necessary: When an overnight stay is required, the airline must provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers may select from a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
- Compensation: According to the flight distance and length of delay, passengers may be eligible for financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Birmingham Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers facing flight delays at Birmingham Airport may be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The eligibility for compensation is decided by the cause of the delay and whether it follows UK and EU laws. The amount of compensation is calculated on the time of arrival at the destination rather than departure time and is influenced by the distance of the flight and the length of the delay.
| Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
| €0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
| €0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
Keep in mind that airlines are not required to provide compensation for flight delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Birmingham Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Birmingham Airport, according to EU 261/2004, passengers can receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
However, there are exceptions to this regulation. The airline may be exempt from compensating passengers if it provides an alternative flight that meets certain criteria, letting you arrive at your destination with the minimal delay possible:
| Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
| 14 Days | None |
| 7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
| Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
Compensation could still be available even though you agree to an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is calculated by the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay. You can check the table below to figure out the compensation amount you are entitled to:
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
Keep in mind that airlines usually don’t offer compensation for flight cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Which Birmingham Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
If you are departing from an airport in the European Union and traveling on an airline flight from the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation ensures that you have certain rights in case of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and related issues. Here’s a more detailed table of what situations are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Birmingham Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Birmingham Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Birmingham Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Birmingham Airport
Flight delays and cancellations often occur due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or staffing issues. If you experience a flight disruption at Birmingham Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, follow these steps:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will do our best to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled? Find your flight in the table below and use our claims checker to see if you are eligible for compensation.
Did not find your flight in our table? Fill in our compensation form, and we will check it for you.