Delayed and cancelled flights are the most common problems encountered by travelers. Fortunately, 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 European Union Regulation 261/2004 outlines the conditions when passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.
Here, you will find everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and under what circumstances you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers departing from or arriving at Maastricht Aachen Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have certain rights when facing 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 needed, the airline is required to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers have the option to 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 between €250 to €600.
Maastricht Aachen Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Travelers experiencing flight delays at Maastricht Aachen Airport might 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 complies with 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 delays due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Maastricht Aachen Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Maastricht Aachen Airport, according to EU 261/2004, travelers are eligible to get compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
However, there are exceptions to this regulation. 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 |
Compensation might still be available even when you agree to 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 check this table to figure out the compensation amount 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 typically don’t provide compensation for cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or air traffic control strikes.
Which Maastricht Aachen Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
If you are departing from an airport within the European Union and traveling on an airline flight from the EU, you are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004. This law guarantees that you have certain rights in case of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and other similar situations. 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 Maastricht Aachen Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Maastricht Aachen Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Maastricht Aachen Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Maastricht Aachen Airport
Flight cancellations and delays are common due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at Maastricht Aachen Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, proceed with these steps:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.