Delayed and cancelled flights are the most frequent problems faced by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU Regulation 261/2004, which ensures that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU Regulation 261/2004 outlines the conditions in which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and under what circumstances you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers traveling to or from Málaga-Costa del Sol 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 beverages 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 required to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers may select from a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
- Compensation: Based on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers could qualify for financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600.
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Flyers encountering flight delays at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport could be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The eligibility for compensation is decided 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 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 required to provide compensation for flight delays caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, according to EU 261/2004, flyers are eligible to receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies 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 could still be available even if 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 length 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 offer compensation for cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
If you are 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 guarantees 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 which cases are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport
Flight delays and cancellations are common due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Complete our 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 are well-versed in the EU laws well and will do our best to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.