Cancelled and delayed flights are the most frequent issues encountered by travelers. Luckily, 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 EU 261/2004 defines the conditions under which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about EU 261 regulation and when you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers traveling to or from Rotterdam The Hague Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights in case of 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 obligated 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: Depending on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers might be entitled to financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600.
Rotterdam The Hague Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Travelers encountering flight delays at Rotterdam The Hague 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 determined by the cause of 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 length 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 due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Rotterdam The Hague Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Rotterdam The Hague Airport, under EU 261, flyers are eligible to receive 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 may 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 though you accept an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is calculated 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 offer compensation for cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Which Rotterdam The Hague 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 covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This law ensures that you have certain rights in case 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 Rotterdam The Hague Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Rotterdam The Hague Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Rotterdam The Hague Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Rotterdam The Hague Airport
Flight disruptions are common due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Rotterdam The Hague Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, follow these steps:
- Fill in our 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 understand the EU laws well and will do our best to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.