Cancelled and delayed flights are the most common problems encountered by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU Regulation 261/2004, which ensures 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 in which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.
Here, you will discover everything you need to know about EU 261 regulation and when you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers departing from or arriving at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights in case of significant delays or cancellations. These rights include:
- Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper meals and beverages 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 required, the airline must provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers have the option to 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 may be eligible for financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers encountering flight delays at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport may be eligible for 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 cause of the delay and whether it adheres to UK and EU laws. 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 delays caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, under EU Regulation 261, travelers are eligible to get 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 regulation. The airline may 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 might still be available even when you agree to 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 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 usually don’t offer compensation for cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or air traffic control strikes.
Which Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
If you are departing from an airport in the European Union and traveling on an airline flight originating in the EU, you are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation ensures that you have certain rights in case of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and other similar situations. Here’s a more detailed table of what situations are protected by EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport
Flight cancellations and delays often occur due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.