Helsinki Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Bohdana Nosenok
19.08.2024
Updated 16.05.2025

Delayed and cancelled flights are the most frequent problems experienced by travelers. Luckily, 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 European Union Regulation 261/2004 defines the situations when passengers are eligible for 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 traveling to or from Helsinki Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific 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: When an overnight stay is required, the airline is obligated to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
  • Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers can select from a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
  • Compensation: Depending on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers may be eligible for financial compensation between €250 to €600.

Helsinki Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Travelers experiencing flight delays at Helsinki Airport might 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 reason for the delay and whether it adheres to 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 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursDistance
€0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km
€0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
€0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
€0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km

Keep in mind that airlines are not obligated to provide compensation for flight delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.

Helsinki Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation

In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Helsinki Airport, according to EU 261/2004, passengers may get compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.

Nevertheless, there are exceptions to this law. The airline may 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 NoticeRe-routing Requirements
14 DaysNone
7 – 13 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight
Less than 7 DaysAlternative 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 if you accept 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 check the following table to figure out the compensation amount you are eligible for:

Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance
€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less
€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km
€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km
€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km

Keep in mind that airlines usually don’t offer compensation for flight cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.

Which Helsinki Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?

When you’re departing from an airport in the European Union and traveling on an airline flight from the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation 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 what situations are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:

ItineraryEU AirlineNon-EU Airline
Departures from Helsinki Airport to anywhereYesYes
Arrivals at Helsinki Airport from inside the EUYesNo
Arrivals at Helsinki Airport from outside the EUYesNo

How to Claim Compensation from Helsinki Airport

Flight delays and cancellations often occur due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at Helsinki Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.

To initiate your compensation claim, follow these steps:

  1. Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
  2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to obtain your rightful compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.

Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations

Was your flight delayed or cancelled? Find your flight in the table below and use our claims checker to see if you are eligible for compensation.

Did not find your flight in our table? Fill in our compensation form, and we will check it for you.

Date Flight number Route Status Compensation

17.07.202516:20

Finnair

33

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202514:00

Finnair

1019

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Ulemiste (TLL)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202514:00

Finnair

517

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kemi/Tornio (KEM)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202514:00

British Airways

6011

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Ulemiste (TLL)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202514:00

Juneyao Airlines

3254

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kemi/Tornio (KEM)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202510:40

Finnair

1015

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Ulemiste (TLL)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202509:20

Airest

7004

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Ulemiste (TLL)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202508:24

ASL Airlines Ireland

4267

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Ulemiste (TLL)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202508:05

Scanwings

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Turku (TKU)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202508:00

Finnair

489

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kuusamo (KAO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202517:35

Qatar Airways

6172

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kajaani (KAJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202517:35

Finnair

415

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kajaani (KAJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202516:25

Finnair

945

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Tromso/langnes (TOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202516:25

Qatar Airways

6163

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Tromso/langnes (TOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202516:25

Jet Linx Aviation

9399

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Tromso/langnes (TOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202516:20

Finnair

33

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202516:20

AlphaSky

7613

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202516:20

British Airways

6002

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202516:20

American Airlines

9023

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202516:20

Iberia

6465

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202516:00

AlphaSky

7687

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Rovaniemi (RVN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202516:00

British Airways

6057

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Rovaniemi (RVN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202516:00

Qatar Airways

6154

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Rovaniemi (RVN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202516:00

Iberia

6429

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Rovaniemi (RVN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202516:00

Finnair

535

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Rovaniemi (RVN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202516:00

Turkish Airlines

8297

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Rovaniemi (RVN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202516:00

Juneyao Airlines

3228

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Rovaniemi (RVN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202511:00

Finnair

573

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kittila (KTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202519:15

Finnair

577

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kittila (KTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202519:15

AlphaSky

7675

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kittila (KTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202519:15

Qatar Airways

6152

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kittila (KTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202519:15

Air France

4226

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kittila (KTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202518:30

Qantas

8239

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Haneda Airport (TYO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202518:30

Jet Linx Aviation

6876

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Haneda Airport (TYO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202518:30

British Airways

6091

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Haneda Airport (TYO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202518:25

Finnair

5073

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Haneda Airport (TYO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202518:25

British Airways

4625

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Haneda Airport (TYO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202518:25

Iberia

7194

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Haneda Airport (TYO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202518:00

Qatar Airways

6172

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kajaani (KAJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202518:00

Finnair

415

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kajaani (KAJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202517:05

Finnair

345

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Joensuu (JOE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202517:05

Qatar Airways

6164

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Joensuu (JOE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202516:20

American Airlines

8969

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202516:20

Jet Linx Aviation

8309

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202516:20

Finnair

1437

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202516:20

AlphaSky

7665

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202518:30

British Airways

6091

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Haneda Airport (TYO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202518:30

Qantas

8239

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Haneda Airport (TYO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202518:30

Jet Linx Aviation

6876

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Haneda Airport (TYO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202517:35

Finnair

415

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kajaani (KAJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202517:35

Qatar Airways

6172

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kajaani (KAJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202517:05

Qatar Airways

6164

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Joensuu (JOE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202517:05

Finnair

345

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Joensuu (JOE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202516:20

Finnair

33

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202516:20

British Airways

6002

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202516:20

American Airlines

9023

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202516:20

AlphaSky

7613

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202516:20

Iberia

6465

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202509:35

Finnair

489

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kuusamo (KAO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202517:05

Qatar Airways

6164

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Joensuu (JOE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202517:05

Finnair

345

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Joensuu (JOE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202516:20

American Airlines

9023

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202516:20

AlphaSky

7613

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202516:20

Iberia

6465

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202516:20

British Airways

6002

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202510:55

Finnair

573

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kittila (KTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202510:45

Finnair

1165

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

John Paul II Balice International (KRK)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202519:20

Finnair

577

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kittila (KTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202519:20

AlphaSky

7675

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kittila (KTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202519:20

Qatar Airways

6152

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kittila (KTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202519:20

Air France

4221

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kittila (KTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202517:25

Finnair

415

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kajaani (KAJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202517:25

Qatar Airways

6172

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kajaani (KAJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202516:10

Jet Linx Aviation

6875

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Vaasa (VAA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202516:10

Qatar Airways

6149

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Vaasa (VAA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202516:10

Turkish Airlines

8289

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Vaasa (VAA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202516:10

Finnair

315

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Vaasa (VAA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202516:10

AlphaSky

7693

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Vaasa (VAA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202515:55

AlphaSky

7645

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kuusamo (KAO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202515:55

Finnair

487

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kuusamo (KAO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

11.07.202517:35

Qatar Airways

6172

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kajaani (KAJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

11.07.202517:35

Finnair

415

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kajaani (KAJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

11.07.202514:00

Juneyao Airlines

3254

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kemi/Tornio (KEM)

Delayed

Claim Refund

11.07.202514:00

Finnair

517

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kemi/Tornio (KEM)

Delayed

Claim Refund

11.07.202511:45

North Flying

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Aalborg (AAL)

Delayed

Claim Refund

11.07.202510:55

Finnair

489

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kuusamo (KAO)

cancelled

Claim Refund

10.07.202520:50

Qatar Airways

6152

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kittila (KTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

10.07.202520:50

Air France

4221

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kittila (KTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

10.07.202520:50

AlphaSky

7675

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kittila (KTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

10.07.202520:50

Finnair

577

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kittila (KTT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

10.07.202517:35

Qatar Airways

6172

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kajaani (KAJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

10.07.202517:35

Finnair

415

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kajaani (KAJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

10.07.202516:20

AlphaSky

7613

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

10.07.202516:20

Finnair

33

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

10.07.202516:20

American Airlines

9023

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

10.07.202516:20

Iberia

6465

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

10.07.202516:20

British Airways

6002

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

09.07.202517:35

Finnair

415

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kajaani (KAJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

09.07.202517:35

Qatar Airways

6172

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

Kajaani (KAJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

09.07.202517:10

Finnair

1163

Helsinki-vantaa (HEL)

John Paul II Balice International (KRK)

Delayed

Claim Refund
Bohdana Nosenok
203 articles
With a PhD in cultural studies, travel experience and a background in human rights, Bohdana manages our content strategy. She helps passengers understand their rights and FlightRefunder’s services. Bohdana creates clear, simple guides on flight compensation claims, and makes it easy for travelers to know their options.

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