Düsseldorf Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Delayed and cancelled flights are the most common issues experienced 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 defines the situations in which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.

In this article, 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 Regulation 261/2004, passengers departing from or arriving at Düsseldorf Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights when facing significant cancellations or delays. 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: 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 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 might be entitled to financial compensation between €250 to €600.

Düsseldorf Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Flyers facing flight delays at Düsseldorf 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 determined on the time of arrival at the destination rather than departure time and is influenced by the distance of the flight and the length 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 due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.

Düsseldorf Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation

In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Düsseldorf Airport, according to EU 261/2004, flyers are eligible to receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.

Nonetheless, 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 might still be available even though you agree to 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 duration of the delay. You can refer to the table below 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 offer compensation for flight cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.

Which Düsseldorf Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?

When you’re departing from an airport within the European Union and flying with an airline flight from the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This law guarantees that you have certain rights in the event of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and other similar situations. Here’s a more detailed table of which cases are protected by EU Regulation 261 and which are not:

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

How to Claim Compensation from Düsseldorf Airport

Flight disruptions are common due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or staffing issues. If you experience a flight disruption at Düsseldorf Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU 261/2004.

To initiate a compensation claim, proceed with these steps:

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