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 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 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 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 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 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 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:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Helsinki Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Helsinki Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Helsinki Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
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:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details including 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
03.07.202507:40 | Jet Linx Aviation 9355 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Brussels Airport (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.07.202507:40 | TAP Air Portugal 8340 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Brussels Airport (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.07.202507:40 | Iberia 6439 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Brussels Airport (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202520:40 | Finnair 1675 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Pablo Ruiz Picasso (AGP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202520:40 | Jet Linx Aviation 6891 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Pablo Ruiz Picasso (AGP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202520:35 | AlphaSky 7627 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Arlanda (STO) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202520:35 | Finnair 819 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Arlanda (STO) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202520:35 | American Airlines 8967 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Arlanda (STO) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202520:35 | Qatar Airways 6783 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Arlanda (STO) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202520:20 | AlphaSky 7705 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Riga International (RIX) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202520:20 | Air France 4629 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Riga International (RIX) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202520:20 | Finnair 1077 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Riga International (RIX) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202520:20 | Qatar Airways 6795 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Riga International (RIX) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202519:35 | Finnair 1107 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Vilnius (VNO) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202519:35 | AlphaSky 7619 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Vilnius (VNO) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202519:35 | Jet Linx Aviation 6873 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Vilnius (VNO) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202519:35 | Qatar Airways 6142 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Vilnius (VNO) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202519:20 | Qatar Airways 6170 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Gardermoen (OSL) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202519:20 | British Airways 6077 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Gardermoen (OSL) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202519:20 | Finnair 917 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Gardermoen (OSL) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202519:15 | Finnair 537 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Rovaniemi (RVN) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202519:15 | Qatar Airways 6133 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Rovaniemi (RVN) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202519:15 | Air France 4628 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Rovaniemi (RVN) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202519:15 | Jet Linx Aviation 6867 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Rovaniemi (RVN) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202519:15 | Juneyao Airlines 3230 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Rovaniemi (RVN) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:20 | Jet Linx Aviation 6823 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:20 | Finnair 1435 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:15 | Norwegian 2952 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Souda (CHQ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:00 | AlphaSky 7667 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Kastrup (CPH) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:00 | Jet Linx Aviation 6815 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Kastrup (CPH) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:00 | American Airlines 8963 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Kastrup (CPH) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:00 | Qatar Airways 6790 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Kastrup (CPH) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:00 | British Airways 6023 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Kastrup (CPH) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:00 | Finnair 959 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Kastrup (CPH) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202518:00 | Icelandair 7359 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Kastrup (CPH) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:50 | Singapore Airlines 2003 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:50 | ANA 6172 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:50 | Ethiopian Airlines 1586 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:50 | Austrian 7442 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:50 | Etihad Airways 3795 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:50 | Lufthansa 851 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:50 | Brussels Airlines 7104 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:35 | Finnair 1223 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Prague Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:35 | British Airways 6095 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Prague Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:35 | Finnair 415 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Kajaani (KAJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:35 | American Airlines 9021 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Prague Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:35 | Qatar Airways 6172 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Kajaani (KAJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:35 | Jet Linx Aviation 6835 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Prague Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:35 | AlphaSky 7653 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Prague Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:10 | Finnair 1981 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:05 | Finnair 1475 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Vienna International (VIE) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:05 | Jet Linx Aviation 6837 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Vienna International (VIE) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:05 | Jet Linx Aviation 6855 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) El Prat De Llobregat (BCN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:05 | Iberia 6448 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) El Prat De Llobregat (BCN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:05 | American Airlines 9007 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Vienna International (VIE) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:05 | British Airways 6009 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Vienna International (VIE) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202517:05 | Danish Air 1653 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) El Prat De Llobregat (BCN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:55 | LATAM Airlines 5321 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:55 | Jet Linx Aviation 6817 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:55 | AlphaSky 7674 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:55 | Finnair 1415 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:55 | American Airlines 8972 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:40 | Finnair 1545 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Brussels Airport (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:40 | Jet Linx Aviation 6833 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Brussels Airport (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:40 | Iberia 6443 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Barajas (MAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:40 | LATAM Airlines 5324 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Barajas (MAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:40 | Jet Linx Aviation 6853 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Barajas (MAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:40 | Iberia 6441 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Brussels Airport (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:40 | Iberia 1661 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Barajas (MAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:40 | TAP Air Portugal 8343 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Brussels Airport (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:35 | Jet Linx Aviation 9391 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:35 | Finnair 1395 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:35 | Jet Linx Aviation 6821 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:35 | Finnair 1603 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:35 | AlphaSky 7637 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:30 | Jet Linx Aviation 6845 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:30 | Finnair 1513 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:20 | Finnair 1437 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:20 | AlphaSky 7665 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:20 | American Airlines 8969 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:20 | Jet Linx Aviation 8309 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:15 | AlphaSky 7651 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Franz Josef Strauss (MUC) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:15 | Finnair 1405 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Franz Josef Strauss (MUC) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:15 | Jet Linx Aviation 6827 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Franz Josef Strauss (MUC) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | Qatar Airways 6149 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Vaasa (VAA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | Turkish Airlines 8289 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Vaasa (VAA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | Qatar Airways 6136 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Gardermoen (OSL) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | Finnair 1533 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Geneve-cointrin (GVA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | Jet Linx Aviation 6811 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Gardermoen (OSL) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | American Airlines 8990 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Gardermoen (OSL) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | Finnair 1755 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Milano Malpensa (MIL) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | Finnair 315 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Vaasa (VAA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | British Airways 6069 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Gardermoen (OSL) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | LATAM Airlines 5327 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Milano Malpensa (MIL) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | Finnair 915 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Gardermoen (OSL) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | TAP Air Portugal 8359 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Milano Malpensa (MIL) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | Jet Linx Aviation 9379 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Geneve-cointrin (GVA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | AlphaSky 7693 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Vaasa (VAA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | Jet Linx Aviation 6851 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Milano Malpensa (MIL) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.07.202516:10 | Jet Linx Aviation 6875 | Helsinki-vantaa (HEL) Vaasa (VAA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
