Cancelled and delayed flights are the most common issues encountered 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 eligible for compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and in which situations you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers departing from or arriving at Ostend–Bruges International Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights when facing significant cancellations or delays. These rights include:
- Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper refreshments and snacks during the waiting period;
- Access to means of communication: Passengers should be offered two free phone calls, emails, or faxes;
- Hotel accommodation if necessary: When an overnight stay is needed, the airline must offer assistance, including hotel stays and transport to and from the hotel;
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers may choose either a full refund of their ticket, including any extra costs, or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination;
- Compensation: If the delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances and remained within the airline’s control, travelers have the right to claim financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance and length of the delay.
Ostend–Bruges International Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Travelers facing flight delays at Ostend–Bruges International Airport might 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 determined 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 obligated to provide compensation for delays caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Ostend–Bruges International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a cancelled flight causing inconvenience at the Ostend–Bruges International Airport, under EU 261, travelers may receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them less than 14 days before departure.
Nonetheless, there are exceptions to this law. The airline may be exempt from compensating passengers if it provides an alternative flight that meets certain 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 may 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 calculated by the flight distance and the length 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 usually don’t provide compensation for flight cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Which Ostend–Bruges International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
If you are departing from an airport within the European Union and flying on a flight originating in the EU operated by an airline, you are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004, which defines your air passenger rights. This regulation applies to both domestic and international flights and ensures that you have certain rights in the event of delays, flight cancellations, denied boarding, and other similar situations. Here’s a more detailed table of which situations are protected by EU Regulation 261:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Ostend–Bruges International Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Ostend–Bruges International Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Ostend–Bruges International Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Ostend–Bruges International Airport
Flight delays and cancellations are common due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at Ostend–Bruges International Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, follow these steps:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We understand the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to get you your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
It is important to note that the compensation claim process requires documents such as booking confirmation and boarding pass.
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 |
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