Flight cancellations or delays due to airline strikes can be frustrating, but there is good news for travelers. There is a law called EU 261/2004 that protects you. It stipulates that airlines must issue compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled as a result of a strike. In this article, we will explain what EU261 is and how it can assist you.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
Now let’s focus on the details of EU Regulation 261. In the following sections, you will learn about your rights to compensation and what advantages you can expect in the event of a flight disruption.
Right to Compensation
The European Union regulation states that if you are covered by the EU 261/2004, you are entitled to seek compensation if a wildcat or planned strike by airline workers disrupts your flight. It’s important to note, that both cases do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” which are events outside the airline’s control.
Air New Zealand Flight Cancellation Compensation
Under EU Regulation 261, you can receive compensation of up to €600 if your flight is cancelled and the airline does not notify you about the cancellation within two weeks before your scheduled travel date.
However, as is frequently the case, there are exceptions you should be aware of. Specifically, the airline has a right to refuse compensation if they choose to offer you an alternative flight. However, this flight is required to meet specific requirements:
- If your flight is over 3,500 km, your replacement flight must arrive at the point of destination with a delay of less than 4 hours;
- If your flight is 1,500-3,500 km, your replacement flight must arrive at the point of destination with a delay of less than 3 hours;
- If your flight is less than 1,500 km, your replacement flight must arrive at the point of destination with a delay of less than 2 hours.
If you agreed to the alternative flight provided by the airline but reached your final destination later than originally scheduled, you are still eligible to claim compensation.
The key factors that affect the amount of compensation are the flight distance and the duration of the delay. See the table provided below for compensation amounts:
| 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 |
Air New Zealand Flight Delay Compensation
Delays due to airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and may seriously affect your itinerary. You are entitled to compensation if the flight delay caused by an airline strike lasts a minimum of three hours.
Regarding the possible compensation amount that passengers could be entitled to, there are two crucial factors to consider: the duration of the delay and the flight distance. Check the table below for compensation amounts:
| 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 |
Ticket Refund or Alternative Transportation
In the rare situations when a passenger’s flight is either cancelled or delayed for 5 or more hours, the passenger is entitled to more substantial rights. You have two options to select from:
- You can refuse the cancelled or delayed flight and choose a full refund, meaning that you will also cancel your planned trip, and there won’t be a financial penalty for this.
- You can agree to use an alternative flight that the airline arranges for you.
As you can see, you have the right to select the option that meets your needs.
Right to Care
Besides flight compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight resulting from an airline strike, passengers are also entitled to the right to care. So, the airline must provide passengers with meals, drinks, and the opportunity to make two phone calls, fax messages, and emails. If your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline is required to provide you with a hotel, as well as transportation to and from the hotel.
Upgrading and Downgrading
In some instances, it happens the airline might either downgrade or upgrade your flight’s class when providing an alternative flight. In such cases, you need to be aware of specific rules and your rights:
In case of upgrading: if your class has been upgraded, you don’t need to pay extra for this advantage.
In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline is obligated to reimburse you. Furthermore, the compensation here is based on the distance of the flight:
- 30% of the cost of the flights that are 1,500 km or less;
- 50% of the cost of t is an intra-EU flight over 1,500 km; also, if these are all other flights that are 1,500-3,500 km;
- 75% of the cost of the flight is 3,500 km and more.
These regulations cover all flights within the EU; besides, these regulations cover flights that are either departing from or arriving in the European Union on EU-based airlines.
When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?
Unfortunately, you should know that in cases when the airline cannot control or prevent the strike, there will be no compensation for passengers. Let’s take an example: any labor dispute could considerably affect aviation (it can be a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such situations are not under the airline’s control, and it’s not their fault that this situation occurs. Therefore, the airline is not obligated to pay compensation for disrupted flights.
Although many cases of strikes are not covered by EU261 and are classified as “extraordinary circumstances”, this doesn’t automatically mean that the airline will not pay compensation.
According to the ECJ ruling of 11 June 2020 (Case C-74/19), the airline must prove they have done everything possible to prevent a strike. If the airline cannot prove it, they are obliged to provide passengers compensation for flight disruptions.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from EU airports. It also covers flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, Air New Zealand isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they are not obliged to issue compensation if their flights operate outside the European Union. This applies even to their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Get Air New Zealand Strike Compensation
Dealing with flight cancellations or delays due to strikes is always frustrating. This can ruin not just your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To claim compensation for this inconvenience, proceed with these steps:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide flight details including 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 are well-versed in the EU laws well and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled due to the strike? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.
Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
| Date | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
11.11.202517:40 | Air New Zealand 5199 | Wellington (WLG) Timaru (TIU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202514:10 | Air New Zealand 7453 | Sydney (SYD) Hobart (HBA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202513:01 | Air New Zealand 5889 | Napier (NPE) Wellington (WLG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
11.11.202513:01 | Air New Zealand 5889 | Napier (NPE) Wellington (WLG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
11.11.202512:25 | Air New Zealand 637 | Auckland (AKL) Queenstown (ZQN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202511:55 | Air New Zealand 424 | Wellington (WLG) Auckland (AKL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202511:30 | Air New Zealand 5882 | Wellington (WLG) Napier (NPE) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
11.11.202511:30 | Air New Zealand 5882 | Wellington (WLG) Napier (NPE) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
11.11.202511:20 | Air New Zealand 5192 | Timaru (TIU) Wellington (WLG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202511:00 | Air New Zealand 5260 | Wellington (WLG) Tauranga (TRG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202510:55 | Air New Zealand 5517 | Wellington (WLG) Nelson (NSN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202510:50 | Air New Zealand 5070 | Nelson (NSN) Auckland (AKL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
11.11.202510:45 | Air New Zealand 686 | Dunedin (DUD) Wellington (WLG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202510:00 | Air New Zealand 7513 | Newman (ZNE) Perth (PER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202509:55 | Air New Zealand 416 | Wellington (WLG) Auckland (AKL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202509:40 | Air New Zealand 5318 | Nelson (NSN) Wellington (WLG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202509:25 | Air New Zealand 5305 | Wellington (WLG) Nelson (NSN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
11.11.202509:20 | Air New Zealand 5193 | Wellington (WLG) Timaru (TIU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202509:05 | Air New Zealand 3458 | Singapore (SIN) Hanoi (HAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202508:55 | Air New Zealand 5792 | Wellington (WLG) New Plymouth (NPL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202508:55 | Air New Zealand 5792 | Wellington (WLG) New Plymouth (NPL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202508:50 | Air New Zealand 681 | Wellington (WLG) Dunedin (DUD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202508:50 | Air New Zealand 5264 | Wellington (WLG) Tauranga (TRG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202508:45 | Air New Zealand 7284 | Newman (ZNE) Perth (PER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202508:45 | Air New Zealand 5069 | Auckland (AKL) Nelson (NSN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
11.11.202508:40 | Air New Zealand 3484 | Singapore (SIN) Phnom Penh (SAI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202508:25 | Air New Zealand 7702 | Melbourne (MEL) Cairns (CNS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202508:15 | Air New Zealand 5768 | Christchurch (CHC) New Plymouth (NPL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202508:15 | Air New Zealand 5035 | Auckland (AKL) New Plymouth (NPL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202507:55 | Air New Zealand 7198 | Perth (PER) Newman (ZNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202507:30 | Air New Zealand 7505 | Perth (PER) Newman (ZNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202507:05 | Air New Zealand 7307 | Townsville (TSV) Cairns (CNS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202506:30 | Air New Zealand 5025 | Auckland (AKL) Napier (NPE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202501:25 | Air New Zealand 4318 | New Delhi (DEL) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202523:35 | Air New Zealand 3203 | Mumbai (BOM) Singapore (SIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202523:05 | Air New Zealand 3255 | Kochi (COK) Singapore (SIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:45 | Air New Zealand 4158 | Sydney (SYD) Tokyo (HND) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:40 | Air New Zealand 6948 | San Diego (SAN) Los Angeles (LAX) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:17 | Air New Zealand 6648 | Chicago (IAH) Mobile (MOB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:00 | Air New Zealand 2611 | Chicago (IAH) Savannah (SAV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202519:40 | Air New Zealand 4308 | Singapore (SIN) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202519:20 | Air New Zealand 7279 | Sydney (SYD) Gold Coast (OOL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202519:15 | Air New Zealand 2 | Auckland (AKL) New York (JFK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202519:10 | Air New Zealand 9599 | San Francisco (SFO) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202518:55 | Air New Zealand 5701 | Christchurch (CHC) Invercargill (IVC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202518:50 | Air New Zealand 3204 | Singapore (SIN) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202518:50 | Air New Zealand 6939 | Los Angeles (LAX) San Diego (SAN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202518:35 | Air New Zealand 5205 | Auckland (AKL) Blenheim (BHE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202518:35 | Air New Zealand 5736 | Blenheim (BHE) Wellington (WLG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202518:30 | Air New Zealand 3935 | Beijing (PEK) Qingdao (TAO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202518:26 | Air New Zealand 6619 | Chicago (IAH) San Antonio (SAT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202518:10 | Air New Zealand 2871 | Chicago (ORD) Louisville (SDF) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202518:00 | Air New Zealand 7160 | Brisbane (BNE) Rockhampton (ROK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202517:55 | Air New Zealand 9583 | San Diego (SAN) San Francisco (SFO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202517:45 | Air New Zealand 625 | Auckland (AKL) Queenstown (ZQN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202517:40 | Air New Zealand 5837 | Hokitika (HKK) Christchurch (CHC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202517:30 | Air New Zealand 5739 | Wellington (WLG) Blenheim (BHE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202517:30 | Air New Zealand 5202 | Blenheim (BHE) Auckland (AKL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202517:20 | Air New Zealand 626 | Queenstown (ZQN) Auckland (AKL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202517:18 | Air New Zealand 6397 | Jackson (JAN) Chicago (IAH) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202517:10 | Air New Zealand 6638 | Mobile (MOB) Chicago (IAH) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202516:56 | Air New Zealand 9584 | San Francisco (SFO) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202516:50 | Air New Zealand 4904 | Taipei (TPE) Okinawa (OKA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202516:25 | Air New Zealand 5832 | Christchurch (CHC) Hokitika (HKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202516:15 | Air New Zealand 5270 | Auckland (AKL) Kerikeri (KKE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202516:10 | Air New Zealand 147 | Auckland (AKL) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202515:45 | Air New Zealand 7378 | Sydney (SYD) Gold Coast (OOL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202515:40 | Air New Zealand 4800 | Seattle (SEA) Vancouver (YVR) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202515:40 | Air New Zealand 3932 | Yantai (YNT) Beijing (PEK) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202515:35 | Air New Zealand 1730 | Sydney (SYD) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202515:35 | Air New Zealand 231 | Queenstown (ZQN) Sydney (SYD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202515:10 | Air New Zealand 5269 | Kerikeri (KKE) Auckland (AKL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202515:10 | Air New Zealand 948 | Auckland (AKL) Rarotonga (RAR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202515:00 | Air New Zealand 7439 | Brisbane (BNE) Perth (PER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202514:55 | Air New Zealand 1728 | Sydney (SYD) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202514:50 | Air New Zealand 7165 | Gold Coast (OOL) Sydney (SYD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202514:40 | Air New Zealand 6396 | Chicago (IAH) Jackson (JAN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202514:35 | Air New Zealand 6647 | Chicago (IAH) Mobile (MOB) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202514:34 | Air New Zealand 6409 | Chicago (IAH) Jacksonville (JAX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202514:32 | Air New Zealand 6495 | Chicago (IAH) Denver (DEN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202514:25 | Air New Zealand 2027 | Chicago (ORD) Atlanta (ATL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202514:20 | Air New Zealand 7620 | Melbourne (MEL) Brisbane (BNE) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202514:20 | Air New Zealand 7627 | Brisbane (BNE) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202514:15 | Air New Zealand 1733 | Brisbane (BNE) Sydney (SYD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202514:15 | Air New Zealand 630 | Queenstown (ZQN) Auckland (AKL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202514:02 | Air New Zealand 2868 | Louisville (SDF) Chicago (ORD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202514:00 | Air New Zealand 9403 | San Francisco (SFO) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202513:55 | Air New Zealand 1718 | Sydney (SYD) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202513:55 | Air New Zealand 7916 | Brisbane (BNE) Mount Isa (ISA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202513:45 | Air New Zealand 5268 | Auckland (AKL) Kerikeri (KKE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202513:40 | Air New Zealand 7178 | Sydney (SYD) Gold Coast (OOL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202513:35 | Air New Zealand 3931 | Beijing (PEK) Yantai (YNT) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202513:15 | Air New Zealand 7625 | Brisbane (BNE) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202513:05 | Air New Zealand 1715 | Sydney (SYD) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202512:59 | Air New Zealand 2631 | Chicago (ORD) Milwaukee (MKE) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202512:45 | Air New Zealand 2163 | Chicago (ORD) Cedar Rapids (CID) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202512:45 | Air New Zealand 2393 | Chicago (ORD) Sioux Falls (FSD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202512:25 | Air New Zealand 637 | Auckland (AKL) Queenstown (ZQN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202512:20 | Air New Zealand 5225 | Whangarei (WRE) Auckland (AKL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202512:18 | Air New Zealand 2648 | Madison (MSN) Chicago (ORD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
