Curaçao International Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Flight cancellations and delays are the most common issues faced by travelers. Fortunately, 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 defines the conditions under which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.

Here, you will discover everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and in which situations you are entitled to compensation.

Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004

Under EU 261, passengers arriving at Curaçao International Airport from EU countries or departing from Curaçao International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by airlines from the EU have certain rights. 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: If 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.

Curaçao International Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Travelers experiencing flight delays at Curaçao International Airport could be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The right to compensation is determined by the reason for the delay and whether it follows 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 obligated to provide compensation for flight delays caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.

Curaçao International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation

In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Curaçao International Airport, under EU 261/2004, travelers can get 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 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

Financial compensation may 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 distance of the flight and the length of the delay. You can check this table to figure out the amount of compensation 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 provide compensation for flight cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes by air traffic controllers.

Which Curaçao International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?

While Curaçao International Airport is not within the EU, EU Regulation 261/2004 may still apply to some flights. Travelers arriving at Curaçao International Airport from EU countries or departing from Curaçao International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by EU-based airlines are covered by EU 261/2004.

Therefore, despite their geographic location beyond the EU, certain flights departing from Curaçao International Airport may be subject to European laws if they are operated by airlines from the European Union.

Itinerary	EU Airline	Non-EU Airline
Departures from Curaçao International Airport to anywhere	Yes	No
Arrivals at Curaçao International Airport from inside the EU	Yes	No
Arrivals at Curaçao International Airport Airport from outside the EU	No	No

How to Claim Compensation from Curaçao International Airport

Flight disruptions are common due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at Curaçao International Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.

To initiate your compensation claim, proceed with these steps:

1. Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws well and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.