Dubai International Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Cancelled and delayed flights are the most frequent issues experienced by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU Regulation 261/2004, 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 specifies the situations when passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance during flight disruption.

Here, you will discover everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and when you are entitled to compensation.

Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004

Under EU 261, passengers arriving at Dubai International Airport from EU countries or departing from Dubai International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by airlines from the EU have specific rights. These rights include:

• Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper meals and refreshments 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 necessary, the airline must provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
• Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers 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 ranging from €250 to €600.

Dubai International Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Passengers encountering flight delays at Dubai 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 cause of the delay and whether it follows UK and EU laws. 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 flight delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.

Dubai International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation

In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Dubai International Airport, under EU 261, flyers 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 regulation. The airline could 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 accept an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is based on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay. You can refer to the following 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 cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.

Which Dubai International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?

While Dubai International Airport isn’t within the EU, European Union Regulation 261/2004 could still cover some flights. Travelers arriving at Dubai International Airport from EU countries or departing from Dubai International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by EU-based airlines are protected by EU 261/2004.

Therefore, despite their geographic location beyond the EU, certain flights departing from Dubai 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 Dubai International Airport to anywhere	Yes	No
Arrivals at Dubai International Airport from inside the EU	Yes	No
Arrivals at Dubai International Airport Airport from outside the EU	No	No

How to Claim Compensation from Dubai International Airport

Flight delays and cancellations are common due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at Dubai International Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.

To initiate your compensation claim, proceed with these steps:

1. Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
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 get you your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.