Flight delays or cancellations 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 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 assist you.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
Now let’s explore the details of EU Regulation 261/2004. In the following sections, you will learn about your entitlement to compensation and what benefits 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 disrupts your flight. It is worth noting, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” which are events outside the airline’s control.
Flight Cancellation Compensation
In line with EU Regulation 261, you are entitled to compensation of up to €600 if your flight is cancelled and the airline does not notify you of the flight cancellation within 14 days before your planned departure date.
However, 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. Though 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 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 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 |
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 at least three hours.
As for the potential compensation amount that passengers can expect, there are two crucial factors to consider: the duration of the delay and the flight distance. See the table provided 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 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 select the option that meets your needs.
Right to Care
In addition to compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight due to an airline strike, passengers are also entitled to the right to care. Therefore, the airline is required to provide passengers with meals, beverages, 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 between the airport and the hotel.
Upgrading and Downgrading
In some instances, it happens the airline can either upgrade or downgrade your flight’s class when offering an alternative flight. In such cases, you need to know about 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. Again, the compensation in this case entirely depends 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 inside the EU; besides, these regulations 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 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 (such as a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such events are not under an airline’s control, and it’s not its fault that this situation occurs. As a result, an airline is not obligated to pay compensation for disrupted flights.
Although many instances of strikes are not covered by EU261 and are classified as “extraordinary circumstances”, this does not 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, it is required 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. This regulation also extends 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, Emirates 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 Emirates Strike Compensation
Dealing with cancelled or delayed flights due to strikes is always frustrating. It can ruin not just your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To seek compensation for this inconvenience, proceed with these steps:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will do our best to get you 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 | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
09.05.202500:05 | Emirates 313 | Tokyo (HND) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202523:55 | Emirates 323 | Seoul (ICN) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202519:45 | Emirates 4957 | Athens (ATH) Limnos (LXS) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202515:40 | Emirates 2410 | Dubai (DXB) Al Ula (ULH) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202514:20 | Emirates 4137 | Johannesburg (JNB) Bulawayo (BUQ) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202513:10 | Emirates 4109 | Johannesburg (JNB) Sokcho (SHO) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202512:50 | Emirates 2434 | Krakow (KRK) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202512:00 | Emirates 7259 | Padang (PDG) Jakarta (CGK) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202509:25 | Emirates 7258 | Jakarta (CGK) Padang (PDG) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202523:55 | Emirates 323 | Seoul (ICN) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202518:50 | Emirates 6445 | Chicago (IAH) Meridian (MEI) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202517:30 | Emirates 3584 | Jakarta (CGK) Solo City (SOC) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202515:10 | Emirates 4529 | Phuket (HKT) Pattaya (UTP) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202515:00 | Emirates 3438 | Langkawi (LGK) Kuala Lumpur (KUL) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202515:00 | Emirates 4113 | Johannesburg (JNB) Maseru (MSU) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202512:55 | Emirates 3436 | Kuala Lumpur (KUL) Langkawi (LGK) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202512:35 | Emirates 4144 | Bulawayo (BUQ) Johannesburg (JNB) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202512:05 | Emirates 3437 | Langkawi (LGK) Kuala Lumpur (KUL) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202512:05 | Emirates 4724 | Calgary (YYC) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202511:35 | Emirates 4594 | Bangkok (BKK) Phnom Penh (SAI) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202510:00 | Emirates 3435 | Kuala Lumpur (KUL) Langkawi (LGK) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202509:00 | Emirates 625 | Lahore (LHE) Dubai (DXB) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202507:35 | Emirates 2433 | Dubai (DXB) Krakow (KRK) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202507:25 | Emirates 35 | Dubai (DXB) Newcastle (NCL) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202505:50 | Emirates 2115 | Sialkot (SKT) Dubai (DXB) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202505:15 | Emirates 2467 | Moscow (VKO) Dubai (DXB) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202503:10 | Emirates 624 | Dubai (DXB) Lahore (LHE) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202501:30 | Emirates 9745 | Nairobi (NBO) Maastricht (MST) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202500:40 | Emirates 2114 | Dubai (DXB) Sialkot (SKT) | cancelled | Refunds |
06.05.202523:30 | Emirates 2466 | Dubai (DXB) Moscow (VKO) | cancelled | Refunds |
06.05.202519:50 | Emirates 6154 | Chicago (IAH) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202518:50 | Emirates 6445 | Chicago (IAH) Meridian (MEI) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202515:10 | Emirates 4529 | Phuket (HKT) Pattaya (UTP) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202514:30 | Emirates 4120 | Sokcho (SHO) Johannesburg (JNB) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202514:30 | Emirates 4039 | Hoedspruit (HDS) Johannesburg (JNB) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202514:20 | Emirates 4137 | Johannesburg (JNB) Bulawayo (BUQ) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202514:00 | Emirates 2070 | Dubai (DXB) Erbil (EBL) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202513:10 | Emirates 4109 | Johannesburg (JNB) Sokcho (SHO) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202513:05 | Emirates 4024 | Johannesburg (JNB) Skukuza (SZK) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202512:50 | Emirates 4008 | Johannesburg (JNB) Hoedspruit (HDS) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202512:50 | Emirates 2434 | Krakow (KRK) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202512:35 | Emirates 4144 | Bulawayo (BUQ) Johannesburg (JNB) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202511:35 | Emirates 4594 | Bangkok (BKK) Phnom Penh (SAI) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202508:40 | Emirates 4870 | Lisbon (LIS) Bissau (OXB) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202500:05 | Emirates 313 | Tokyo (HND) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202522:25 | Emirates 9871 | Guangzhou (CAN) Dubai (DWC) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202522:00 | Emirates 515 | New Delhi (DEL) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202521:50 | Emirates 529 | Hyderabad (HYD) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202521:50 | Emirates 622 | Dubai (DXB) Lahore (LHE) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202521:45 | Emirates 182 | Brussels (BRU) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202521:35 | Emirates 2422 | Dubai (DXB) Almaty (ALA) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202521:25 | Emirates 532 | Dubai (DXB) Kochi (COK) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202520:25 | Emirates 5245 | Townsville (TSV) Brisbane (BNE) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202520:10 | Emirates 2450 | Dubai (DXB) Tel Aviv Yafo (TLV) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202519:50 | Emirates 6154 | Chicago (IAH) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202519:30 | Emirates 587 | Dhaka (DAC) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202519:20 | Emirates 2056 | Dubai (DXB) Amman (AMM) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202519:10 | Emirates 2051 | Kuwait City (KWI) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202519:10 | Emirates 347 | Kuala Lumpur (KUL) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202518:50 | Emirates 6445 | Chicago (IAH) Meridian (MEI) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202518:50 | Emirates 5663 | Melbourne (MEL) Devonport (DPO) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202518:40 | Emirates 7434 | Guangzhou (CAN) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202518:15 | Emirates 333 | Manila (MNL) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202518:05 | Emirates 210 | Athens (ATH) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202518:00 | Emirates 2197 | (GYD) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202517:50 | Emirates 3457 | Kuala Lumpur (KUL) Denpasar (DPS) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202517:50 | Emirates 840 | Manama (BAH) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202517:40 | Emirates 5643 | Brisbane (BNE) Townsville (TSV) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202517:30 | Emirates 3584 | Jakarta (CGK) Solo City (SOC) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202516:35 | Emirates 2201 | Tbilisi (TBS) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202516:30 | Emirates 2311 | Moscow (VKO) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202516:25 | Emirates 124 | Istanbul (IST) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202516:20 | Emirates 51 | Dubai (DXB) Munich (MUC) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202516:20 | Emirates 517 | New Delhi (DEL) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202516:15 | Emirates 2178 | Kabul (KBL) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202516:00 | Emirates 724 | Addis Ababa (ADD) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:55 | Emirates 125 | Dubai (DXB) Vienna (VIE) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:50 | Emirates 78 | Nice (NCE) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:45 | Emirates 2470 | Dubai (DXB) Tel Aviv Yafo (TLV) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:40 | Emirates 2245 | Bucharest (OTP) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:40 | Emirates 256 | Barcelona (BCN) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:35 | Emirates 2447 | Kathmandu (KTM) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:35 | Emirates 136 | Venice (VCE) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:35 | Emirates 94 | Bologna (BLQ) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:30 | Emirates 60 | Hamburg (HAM) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:25 | Emirates 148 | Amsterdam (AMS) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:25 | Emirates 2229 | Sofia (SOF) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:15 | Emirates 2303 | Tehran (IKA) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:15 | Emirates 46 | Frankfurt (FRA) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202514:50 | Emirates 7436 | Guangzhou (CAN) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202514:35 | Emirates 160 | Oslo (OSL) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202514:25 | Emirates 2 | London (LHR) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202514:20 | Emirates 4137 | Johannesburg (JNB) Bulawayo (BUQ) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202514:15 | Emirates 206 | Rome (MXP) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202514:05 | Emirates 18 | Manchester (MAN) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202514:00 | Emirates 3449 | Kuala Lumpur (KUL) Denpasar (DPS) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202513:15 | Emirates 2487 | Riyadh (RUH) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202513:10 | Emirates 4109 | Johannesburg (JNB) Sokcho (SHO) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202513:00 | Emirates 2392 | Napoli (NAP) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202512:45 | Emirates 6489 | Seattle (SEA) San Francisco (SFO) | delayed | Refunds |
