Brussels South Charleroi Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Yurii Semikopenko
19.08.2024

Flight cancellations and delays are the most frequent problems faced by travelers. Luckily, 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 outlines the conditions under which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance during flight disruption.

Here, you will discover everything you need to know about EU 261 regulation and when you are eligible for compensation.

Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004

According to EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers departing from or arriving at Brussels South Charleroi Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific 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 provided two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
  • Hotel accommodation if necessary: If an overnight stay is needed, the airline is required to 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: Based on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers could qualify for financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Passengers experiencing flight delays at Brussels South Charleroi Airport might 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 reason for the delay and whether it follows UK and EU regulations. The amount of compensation is determined 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 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursDistance
€0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km
€0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
€0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
€0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km

Keep in mind that airlines are not obligated to provide compensation for flight delays caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation

In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Brussels South Charleroi Airport, under EU 261/2004, passengers may get 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 law. The airline may 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 NoticeRe-routing Requirements
14 DaysNone
7 – 13 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight
Less than 7 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight

Financial compensation might still be available even if you accept an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is determined by the flight distance and the duration of the delay. You can refer to this table to figure out the amount of compensation you are entitled to:

Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance
€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less
€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km
€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km
€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km

Keep in mind that airlines typically don’t offer compensation for cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as extreme weather conditions or air traffic control strikes.

Which Brussels South Charleroi 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 protected under EU Regulation 261/2004. This law ensures that you have certain rights in the event 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:

ItineraryEU AirlineNon-EU Airline
Departures from Brussels South Charleroi Airport to anywhereYesYes
Arrivals at Brussels South Charleroi Airport from inside the EUYesNo
Arrivals at Brussels South Charleroi Airport Airport from outside the EUYesNo

How to Claim Compensation from Brussels South Charleroi Airport

Flight delays and cancellations often occur due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at Brussels South Charleroi Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.

To initiate a compensation claim, take the following steps:

  1. Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
  2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We know the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to obtain your rightful compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.

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