Flight delays or cancellations due to airline strikes can be annoying, but there is good news for travelers. There is a law called EU 261/2004 that protects you. It says that airlines must issue compensation if your flight is cancelled or delayed as a result of a strike. In this article, we will clarify what the EU 261 regulation is and how it can help you.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
Now let’s focus on the particulars of EU Regulation 261. In the following sections, you will learn about your rights to compensation and what benefits you can expect in case of a flight disruption.
Right to Compensation
The European Union regulation stipulates that if you are protected by EU 261, you are entitled to claim compensation if a wildcat or planned strike by airline workers affects your flight. It’s important to note, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” which are events outside the airline’s control.
Air Seychelles Flight Cancellation Compensation
In line with 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 two weeks before your planned departure date.
Yet, as is frequently the case, there are exceptions you should be aware of. Specifically, the airline is entitled to refuse compensation if they choose to offer you an alternative flight. However, this flight should also 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 arrived at your final destination later than originally scheduled, you are still eligible to claim compensation.
The primary factors that affect the amount of compensation are the flight distance and the delay time. 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 Seychelles Flight Delay Compensation
Delays due to airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and may seriously affect your itinerary. You may be eligible for compensation if the flight delay caused by an airline strike lasts three or more hours.
Regarding the possible 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 situations when a passenger’s flight is delayed for 5 or more hours or cancelled, the passenger is entitled to more significant rights. You have two options to select from:
- You can refuse the delayed or cancelled 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 choose the option that meets your needs.
Right to Care
In addition to flight compensation for a disrupted flight resulting from an airline strike, passengers also have the right to care. So, the airline must provide passengers with food, 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 transport to and from the hotel.
Upgrading and Downgrading
Sometimes it occurs the airline can either downgrade or upgrade your flight’s class when offering 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 aren’t required 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 in this case 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; additionally, these rules apply to 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 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 (it can be a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such events are not under an airline’s control, and it’s not their fault that this situation occurs. As a result, an 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 does not automatically mean that the airline will not provide compensation.
In line with 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, it is required to pay passengers compensation for flight disruptions.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from airports in the EU. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, Air Seychelles isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they aren’t required 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 Seychelles Strike Compensation
Dealing with flight cancellations or delays due to strikes is always frustrating. Such situations can not only ruin your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To claim compensation for this inconvenience, take the following actions:
- 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 know the EU laws well and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You are only charged 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 |
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