Flight cancellations and delays are the most common problems faced by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU Regulation 261, which guarantees that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The European Union Regulation 261/2004 defines the situations under which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and under what circumstances you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers flying to or from 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 refreshments and snacks 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 required, the airline is obligated to offer assistance, including hotel stays and transport to and from the hotel;
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers may select either a full refund of their ticket, including any extra costs, or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination;
- Compensation: If the delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances and remained within the airline’s control, travelers have the right to claim financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance and length of the delay.
Brussels Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers facing flight delays at Brussels Airport might 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 adheres to UK and EU regulations. 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 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 obligated to provide compensation for flight delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Brussels Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a cancelled flight causing inconvenience at the Brussels Airport, under EU Regulation 261, passengers can get compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them less than 14 days before departure.
However, there are exceptions to this law. The airline could 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 |
Financial compensation could still be available even when you accept an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is calculated by the flight distance and the duration of the delay. You can refer to this table 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 typically don’t offer compensation for flight cancellations due to 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 flying on a flight originating in the EU operated by an airline, you are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004, which defines your air passenger rights. This regulation applies to both domestic and international flights and ensures that you have certain rights in case of delays, flight cancellations, denied boarding, and other similar situations. Here’s a more detailed table of which situations are protected by EU Regulation 261:
| 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 from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Brussels Airport
Flight disruptions are common due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Brussels Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- 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 strive to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
It is important to note that the compensation claim process requires documents such as booking confirmation and boarding pass.
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.
| Date | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
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