Flight delays or cancellations due to airline strikes can be annoying, but there is good news for passengers. There is a law called EU 261/2004 that protects you. It stipulates that airlines must issue compensation if your flight is cancelled or delayed due to a strike. In this article, we will explain what the EU 261 regulation is and how it can help you.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
Now let’s explore the specifics of EU Regulation 261. In the following sections, you will discover your eligibility for 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 EU 261, you have a right to claim compensation if a wildcat or planned strike of the airline’s workers affects your flight. It is worth noting, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” meaning circumstances the airline cannot control.
Air Serbia Flight Cancellation Compensation
Under EU Regulation 261, you may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 if your flight is cancelled and the airline does not notify you about the cancellation within 14 days before your scheduled travel date.
Yet, as is frequently the case, there are exceptions you should be aware of. In particular, the airline has a right to refuse compensation if they choose to offer you an alternative flight. Though this flight should also meet certain 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 proposed by the airline but arrived at your final destination later than you were supposed to, 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. Check the table 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 Serbia 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 three or more hours.
As for the potential amount of compensation that passengers may receive, there are two important things to consider: the duration of the delay and the flight distance. See 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 cases when a passenger’s flight is delayed for 5 or more hours or cancelled, the passenger has more significant rights. You have two options to select from:
- You can refuse the delayed or cancelled flight and choose a full ticket 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 choose the option that meets your needs.
Right to Care
Besides flight compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight due to an airline strike, passengers also have the right to care. Therefore, the airline must provide passengers with meals, drinks, and the opportunity to make two phone calls, fax messages, and emails. When your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline has to provide you with a hotel, as well as transport from the airport to the hotel and back.
Upgrading and Downgrading
In some instances, it occurs the airline might either downgrade or upgrade your flight’s class when providing an alternative flight. In these situations, you should understand specific rules and your rights:
In case of upgrading: if your class has been upgraded, you aren’t required to pay extra for this advantage.
In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline must 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 rules cover all flights within the EU; additionally, these rules cover flights that are either departing from or arriving in the European Union on airlines based in the EU.
When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?
Unfortunately, you should be aware that in cases where the airline cannot influence or prevent the strike, there will be no compensation for passengers. Let’s take an example: any labor dispute can significantly affect aviation (such as a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such situations are not under an airline’s control, and it’s not its fault that this situation occurs. Therefore, an airline is not obligated to pay compensation for disrupted flights.
Even though 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 it has done everything possible to avoid a strike. If the airline cannot prove it, it is obliged to provide passengers compensation for flight disruptions.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from airports in the EU. This regulation also extends to 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 Serbia isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have to issue compensation if their flights operate outside the European Union. This is true even for 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 Serbia Strike Compensation
Dealing with flight delays or cancellations due to strikes is always frustrating. Such situations can ruin not just your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To seek compensation for this inconvenience, take the following actions:
- Complete this 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 manage the process. We know the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to secure your 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
07.01.202620:30 | Air Serbia 8325 | (HKT) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202619:00 | Air Serbia 8055 | (IST) (ADB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:00 | Air Serbia 404 | (BEG) (FCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:15 | Air Serbia 372 | (BEG) (CPH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:10 | Air Serbia 382 | (BEG) (ARN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:10 | Air Serbia 8030 | (IST) (ADB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:10 | Air Serbia 7452 | (MAD) (BCN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:05 | Air Serbia 7611 | (BEG) (ATH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:00 | Air Serbia 7492 | (MAD) (AGP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:30 | Air Serbia 7489 | (AGP) (MAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:45 | Air Serbia 7419 | (BRU) (MAD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:30 | Air Serbia 7846 | (NTE) (CDG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:25 | Air Serbia 8705 | (MXP) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202606:05 | Air Serbia 7835 | (NTE) (CDG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202602:20 | Air Serbia 8267 | (IST) (CAI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202621:45 | Air Serbia 7321 | (FCO) (TRS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202621:45 | Air Serbia 8571 | (JFK) (DTW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202621:15 | Air Serbia 7847 | (CDG) (NTE) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.01.202619:10 | Air Serbia 7469 | (MAD) (LCG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202618:30 | Air Serbia 1626 | (INI) (LJU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202615:15 | Air Serbia 7418 | (MAD) (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202615:00 | Air Serbia 7424 | (MAD) (FCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202613:15 | Air Serbia 532 | (BEG) (ATH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202609:25 | Air Serbia 355 | (BER) (BEG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202606:45 | Air Serbia 354 | (BEG) (BER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202606:45 | Air Serbia 360 | (BEG) (DUS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202620:30 | Air Serbia 8325 | (HKT) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202619:00 | Air Serbia 8371 | (DOH) (AKL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202617:45 | Air Serbia 324 | (BEG) (SZG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202617:35 | Air Serbia 7595 | (OTP) (OMR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202616:10 | Air Serbia 7620 | (ATH) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202615:15 | Air Serbia 7495 | (MAD) (VLC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202613:50 | Air Serbia 568 | (BEG) (OPO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202612:30 | Air Serbia 329 | (GVA) (BEG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202611:55 | Air Serbia 8301 | (BEG) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202621:20 | Air Serbia 7843 | (CDG) (LYS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202621:15 | Air Serbia 7847 | (CDG) (NTE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202620:30 | Air Serbia 8325 | (HKT) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202620:20 | Air Serbia 8333 | (DOH) (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202619:30 | Air Serbia 8303 | (DOH) (CMB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202619:00 | Air Serbia 7656 | (RIX) (CPH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202618:55 | Air Serbia 8016 | (IST) (COV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202618:05 | Air Serbia 8318 | (HKG) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202616:10 | Air Serbia 8014 | (IST) (COV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202615:20 | Air Serbia 7595 | (OTP) (OMR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202617:50 | Air Serbia 1352 | (INI) (HHN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202615:15 | Air Serbia 7495 | (MAD) (VLC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202615:10 | Air Serbia 7470 | (MAD) (LCG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202615:10 | Air Serbia 7501 | (MAD) (ALC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202615:05 | Air Serbia 7984 | (ZRH) (RIX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202615:00 | Air Serbia 7424 | (MAD) (FCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202615:00 | Air Serbia 7475 | (MAD) (TFN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202614:55 | Air Serbia 7473 | (MAD) (VGO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202614:55 | Air Serbia 7417 | (MAD) (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202614:35 | Air Serbia 7396 | (MAD) (PMI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202614:00 | Air Serbia 572 | (BEG) (MAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202613:15 | Air Serbia 162 | (BEG) (TIA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202612:35 | Air Serbia 7474 | (VGO) (MAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202612:35 | Air Serbia 7481 | (BIO) (MAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202612:30 | Air Serbia 7471 | (LCG) (MAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202611:35 | Air Serbia 7455 | (LIS) (MAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202611:05 | Air Serbia 7416 | (ZRH) (MAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202610:15 | Air Serbia 8251 | (CAI) (IST) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202610:05 | Air Serbia 7549 | (FCO) (GRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202607:30 | Air Serbia 130 | (BEG) (SVO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202604:05 | Air Serbia 487 | (LCA) (BEG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202602:35 | Air Serbia 8704 | (AUH) (MXP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.01.202623:55 | Air Serbia 486 | (BEG) (LCA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.01.202617:25 | Air Serbia 664 | (BEG) (TGD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.01.202615:20 | Air Serbia 143 | (BUD) (BEG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.01.202613:35 | Air Serbia 142 | (BEG) (BUD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.01.202611:20 | Air Serbia 601 | (ZAG) (BEG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.01.202609:35 | Air Serbia 600 | (BEG) (ZAG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.01.202616:00 | Air Serbia 8176 | (IST) (ESB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.01.202613:00 | Air Serbia 8170 | (IST) (ESB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.01.202610:30 | Air Serbia 7846 | (NTE) (CDG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.01.202610:25 | Air Serbia 8705 | (MXP) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.01.202610:10 | Air Serbia 7836 | (CDG) (NTE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.01.202609:35 | Air Serbia 600 | (BEG) (ZAG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.01.202609:30 | Air Serbia 7965 | (MXP) (RIX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
31.12.202520:20 | Air Serbia 8329 | (DOH) (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202520:50 | Air Serbia 1299 | (CGN) (INI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202515:15 | Air Serbia 143 | (BUD) (BEG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202513:35 | Air Serbia 142 | (BEG) (BUD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202510:25 | Air Serbia 8705 | (MXP) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202509:40 | Air Serbia 361 | (DUS) (BEG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.12.202522:55 | Air Serbia 8186 | (ESB) (IST) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.12.202521:00 | Air Serbia 8154 | (IST) (ESB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.12.202518:05 | Air Serbia 7858 | (MRS) (CDG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.12.202517:35 | Air Serbia 7595 | (OTP) (OMR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.12.202509:15 | Air Serbia 157 | (KRK) (BEG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.12.202501:50 | Air Serbia 8362 | (DOH) (MCT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.12.202514:50 | Air Serbia 7595 | (OTP) (OMR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.12.202511:21 | Air Serbia 8540 | (BUF) (JFK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202515:15 | Air Serbia 143 | (BUD) (BEG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202515:05 | Air Serbia 7984 | (ZRH) (RIX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202510:40 | Air Serbia 8036 | (ADB) (IST) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202510:00 | Air Serbia 8060 | (IST) (ADB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
26.12.202513:35 | Air Serbia 142 | (BEG) (BUD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.12.202523:45 | Air Serbia 8372 | (AKL) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
