Flight cancellations and delays are the most common problems experienced by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU 261 regulation, which guarantees that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU 261/2004 outlines the situations when passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance during flight disruption.
Here, you will find everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and when you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers traveling to or from Hannover Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights if they experience 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: Travelers can 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 may be eligible for financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600.
Hannover Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Travelers experiencing flight delays at Hannover Airport could 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 determined by the reason for the delay and whether it follows 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 obligated to provide compensation for delays caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Hannover Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Hannover Airport, according to EU 261/2004, passengers may 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 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 |
Financial compensation may still be available even when you accept an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is based on the flight distance 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 due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Which Hannover Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
When you’re departing from an airport in the European Union and flying with an airline flight originating in the EU, you are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation ensures that you have certain rights in the event 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 Hannover Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Hannover Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Hannover Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Hannover Airport
Flight cancellations and delays often occur due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Hannover Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Fill in 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 thoroughly and will strive to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.