Flight delays and cancellations are the most common issues encountered by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU Regulation 261, 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 defines the situations under which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
Here, you will find everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and under what circumstances you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers traveling to or from Manchester 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 required to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers may 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 could qualify for financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Manchester Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Flyers facing flight delays at Manchester 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 decided by the cause of the delay and whether it adheres to UK and EU laws. The amount of compensation is determined 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 delays due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Manchester Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Manchester Airport, under EU 261, flyers can get 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 |
Financial compensation might still be available even though you agree to an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is calculated by the flight distance and the length of the delay. You can refer to the table below to figure out the amount of compensation 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 typically don’t provide compensation for flight cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Which Manchester Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
When you’re departing from an airport in the European Union and traveling on an airline flight originating in the EU, you are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004. This law ensures 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 what situations are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Manchester Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Manchester Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Manchester Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Manchester Airport
Flight cancellations and delays are common due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you experience a flight disruption at Manchester Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, take the following 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 comprehensively and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You are only charged 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.