Flight delays and cancellations are the most common issues faced by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU Regulation 261, 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 outlines the conditions under which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
In this article, 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
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers flying to or from Newcastle International Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have certain rights when facing 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 offered two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- Hotel accommodation if necessary: If an overnight stay is needed, the airline is obligated to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers may 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.
Newcastle International Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Flyers facing flight delays at Newcastle International Airport may 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 decided by the cause of the delay and whether it complies with UK and EU laws. 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 resulting from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Newcastle International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Newcastle International Airport, according to EU Regulation 261, flyers can get compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
Nevertheless, there are exceptions to this regulation. The airline could 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 though you agree to an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is determined by the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay. You can refer to 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 usually don’t provide compensation for cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Which Newcastle International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
When you’re departing from an airport within the European Union and flying with an airline flight originating in the EU, you are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004. This law ensures 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 what situations are protected by EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Newcastle International Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Newcastle International Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Newcastle International Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Newcastle International Airport
Flight disruptions often occur due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Newcastle International Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, follow these steps:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- 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 incur a fee if we win your case.