Flight cancellations and delays are the most common issues faced by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU 261 regulation, which ensures that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU Regulation 261/2004 outlines the situations when passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance during flight disruption.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about EU 261 regulation and in which situations you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers departing from or arriving at Brussels Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have certain rights if they experience significant delays or cancellations. 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 offered two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- Hotel accommodation if necessary: When an overnight stay is needed, the airline must provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers can choose between a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
- Compensation: Depending on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers might be entitled to financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600.
Brussels Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Travelers facing flight delays at Brussels Airport may be eligible for compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The right to compensation is decided by the cause of the delay and whether it complies with UK and EU regulations. The amount of compensation is based on the time of arrival at the destination rather than departure time and is influenced by the distance of the flight and the duration 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 delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Brussels Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Brussels Airport, according to EU 261, flyers may receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
Nevertheless, there are exceptions to this law. The airline might be exempt from compensating passengers if it provides an alternative flight that meets specific 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 if you agree to an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is calculated by the flight distance and the length of the delay. You can refer to the following table to figure out the compensation amount you are eligible for:
| 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 typically don’t provide compensation for cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Which Brussels Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
If you are departing from an airport in the European Union and traveling on an airline flight originating in the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation guarantees that you have certain rights in case of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and other similar situations. Here’s a more detailed table of which cases are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Brussels Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Brussels Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Brussels Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Brussels Airport
Flight disruptions often occur due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at Brussels Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, proceed with these steps:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details including 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 understand the EU laws well and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.