Flight delays and cancellations are the most frequent issues faced by travelers. Luckily, 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 EU Regulation 261/2004 specifies the situations under which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in cases 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
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers flying to or from Gran Canaria Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights if they experience significant delays or cancellations. 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 offered 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 may choose between 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.
Gran Canaria Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Flyers experiencing flight delays at Gran Canaria Airport could 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 determined by the cause of the delay and whether it adheres to UK and EU regulations. 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 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 required to provide compensation for delays caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Gran Canaria Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Gran Canaria Airport, according to EU 261, 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 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 could still be available even if 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 duration of the delay. You can refer to 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 usually don’t offer compensation for cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Which Gran Canaria Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
When you’re departing from an airport within the European Union and flying with an airline flight originating in the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation 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 what situations are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Gran Canaria Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Gran Canaria Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Gran Canaria Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Gran Canaria Airport
Flight disruptions are common due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at Gran Canaria Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws well and will strive to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.