Delayed and cancelled flights are the most common issues encountered by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU 261 regulation, which ensures that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU Regulation 261/2004 defines the situations when passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
Here, you will discover everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and in which situations you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers departing from or arriving at Geneva Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have certain rights in case of significant cancellations or delays. 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 is obligated 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: According to the flight distance and length of delay, passengers could qualify for financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Geneva Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers experiencing flight delays at Geneva 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 decided by the cause of 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.
Geneva Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Geneva Airport, under EU Regulation 261, passengers are eligible to get compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies 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 |
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 calculated by the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay. You can refer to this table to figure out the compensation amount you are eligible for:
| 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 provide compensation for flight cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Geneva Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
When you’re departing from an airport in the European Union and traveling on an airline flight originating in the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This law guarantees that you have certain rights in case of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and related issues. Here’s a more detailed table of which cases are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Geneva Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Geneva Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Geneva Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Geneva Airport
Flight cancellations and delays often occur due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at Geneva Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, follow these steps:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We know the EU laws well and will do our best to obtain your rightful compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.