Flight delays or cancellations due to airline strikes can be annoying, but there is good news for travelers. There is a regulation called EU 261 that protects you. It says that airlines are required to issue compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled because 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. In the following sections, you will discover your rights to compensation and what benefits you can expect in the event of a flight disruption.
Right to Compensation
The European Union regulation stipulates that if you are covered by EU 261, you are entitled to claim compensation if a wildcat or planned strike by airline workers disrupts your flight. It is worth noting, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” meaning circumstances the airline cannot control.
Freebird Airlines 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 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 provided by the airline but arrived at the 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 |
Freebird Airlines Flight Delay Compensation
Delays caused by airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and may seriously affect your itinerary. You may be eligible for compensation if the flight delay resulting from an airline strike lasts a minimum of three hours.
Concerning the possible amount of compensation that passengers could be entitled to, there are two important things 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 cases when a passenger’s flight is either cancelled or delayed for 5 or more hours, the passenger has more significant rights. You have two options to select from:
- You can refuse the cancelled or delayed 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 select the option that meets your needs.
Right to Care
In addition to flight compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight due to an airline strike, passengers also have 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. When your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline has 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 upgrade or downgrade 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 benefit.
In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline is obligated to reimburse you. Again, the compensation in this case is determined by 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 apply to all flights inside the EU; besides, these rules apply to 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 understand that in cases where the airline can’t control or prevent the strike, there will be no compensation for passengers. Let’s take an example: any labor dispute can considerably affect aviation (it can be a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such situations are not under an 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 does not automatically mean that the airline will not pay 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 avoid 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?
EU 261 applies to 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, Freebird Airlines 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 Freebird Airlines Strike Compensation
Dealing with delayed or cancelled flights due to strikes is always frustrating. It can spoil your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To claim compensation for this inconvenience, proceed with these steps:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide flight 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 are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to obtain your rightful 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
09.11.202523:40 | Freebird Airlines 709 | Antalya (AYT) Vilnius (VNO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202508:30 | Freebird Airlines 9034 | Jeddah (JED) Konya (KYA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202523:15 | Freebird Airlines 1343 | Antalya (AYT) N?rnberg (NUE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202508:10 | Freebird Airlines 861 | Antalya (AYT) Bucharest (OTP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202516:00 | Freebird Airlines 1907 | Istanbul (SAW) Prague (PRG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.11.202521:55 | Freebird Airlines 9306 | Jeddah (JED) Bursa (YEI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.11.202517:40 | Freebird Airlines 9218 | Jeddah (JED) Bursa (YEI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.11.202504:25 | Freebird Airlines 506 | Sialkot (SKT) Muscat (MCT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.11.202523:55 | Freebird Airlines 1687 | Antalya (AYT) Paderborn (PAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.11.202523:20 | Freebird Airlines 9524 | Jeddah (JED) (KFS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.11.202501:00 | Freebird Airlines 1897 | Antalya (AYT) Chisinau (RMO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
31.10.202523:55 | Freebird Airlines 1257 | Antalya (AYT) Hanover (HAJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
31.10.202518:50 | Freebird Airlines | Istanbul (SAW) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
31.10.202502:15 | Freebird Airlines 1366 | Cologne (CGN) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.10.202518:00 | Freebird Airlines 9120 | Jeddah (JED) Istanbul (GNY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.10.202509:00 | Freebird Airlines 923 | Antalya (AYT) Tallinn (TLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.10.202506:00 | Freebird Airlines 9213 | Istanbul (IST) Jeddah (JED) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.10.202521:25 | Freebird Airlines 1413 | Antalya (AYT) Hanover (HAJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.10.202511:00 | Freebird Airlines 1583 | Antalya (AYT) Berlin (BER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.10.202523:45 | Freebird Airlines 1907 | Gaziantep (GZT) Istanbul (SAW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
26.10.202523:45 | Freebird Airlines 1255 | Antalya (AYT) Hanover (HAJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.10.202521:35 | Freebird Airlines 1681 | Antalya (AYT) Paderborn (PAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.10.202520:35 | Freebird Airlines 1387 | Antalya (AYT) Paderborn (PAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.10.202517:35 | Freebird Airlines 1683 | Antalya (AYT) Berlin (BER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.10.202513:50 | Freebird Airlines 6103 | Paderborn (PAD) Kos (KGS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.10.202510:10 | Freebird Airlines 847 | Antalya (AYT) Oulu (OUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.10.202510:00 | Freebird Airlines 491 | Antalya (AYT) Oulu (OUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.10.202506:00 | Freebird Airlines 1071 | Leipzig-Halle (LEJ) Heraklion (HER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.10.202523:30 | Freebird Airlines 731 | Antalya (AYT) Tallinn (TLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.10.202514:25 | Freebird Airlines 1281 | Antalya (AYT) Berlin (BER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.10.202514:00 | Freebird Airlines 1683 | Antalya (AYT) Berlin (BER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.10.202514:25 | Freebird Airlines 1303 | Antalya (AYT) Munich (MUC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.10.202511:40 | Freebird Airlines 1282 | Berlin (BER) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.10.202516:15 | Freebird Airlines 6145 | Paderborn (PAD) Heraklion (HER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.10.202523:30 | Freebird Airlines 417 | Antalya (AYT) Tallinn (TLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.10.202513:10 | Freebird Airlines 866 | Oslo (OSL) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.10.202508:45 | Freebird Airlines 865 | Antalya (AYT) Oslo (OSL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.10.202505:30 | Freebird Airlines 1731 | Leipzig-Halle (LEJ) Kos (KGS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.10.202505:10 | Freebird Airlines 512 | Karachi (KHI) Muscat (MCT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.10.202501:40 | Freebird Airlines 511 | Muscat (MCT) Karachi (KHI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.10.202521:25 | Freebird Airlines | Paderborn (PAD) Leipzig-Halle (LEJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.10.202518:35 | Freebird Airlines 678 | Budapest (BUD) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.10.202515:50 | Freebird Airlines 677 | Antalya (AYT) Budapest (BUD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.10.202514:30 | Freebird Airlines 851 | Oslo (OSL) Oslo (TRF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.10.202514:30 | Freebird Airlines | Skopje (SKP) Paderborn (PAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.10.202514:15 | Freebird Airlines 493 | Oslo (OSL) Stavanger (SVG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.10.202510:00 | Freebird Airlines 493 | Antalya (AYT) Oslo (OSL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.10.202508:25 | Freebird Airlines 6504 | Palma Mallorca (PMI) Paderborn (PAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.10.202518:55 | Freebird Airlines 6104 | Kos (KGS) Paderborn (PAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.10.202517:30 | Freebird Airlines 347 | Antalya (AYT) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.10.202511:40 | Freebird Airlines 1282 | Berlin (BER) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.10.202510:25 | Freebird Airlines 6146 | Heraklion (HER) Paderborn (PAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.10.202506:00 | Freebird Airlines 1071 | Leipzig-Halle (LEJ) Heraklion (HER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.10.202505:00 | Freebird Airlines 728 | Riga (RIX) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.10.202523:50 | Freebird Airlines 963 | Antalya (AYT) Riga (RIX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.10.202512:00 | Freebird Airlines 963 | Antalya (AYT) Stockholm (MMX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.10.202511:40 | Freebird Airlines 1282 | Berlin (BER) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.10.202520:45 | Freebird Airlines | Paderborn (PAD) Leipzig-Halle (LEJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.10.202519:05 | Freebird Airlines 1072 | Heraklion (HER) Leipzig-Halle (LEJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.10.202513:50 | Freebird Airlines 8021 | Istanbul (ADB) Brussels (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.10.202509:40 | Freebird Airlines 6503 | Paderborn (PAD) Palma Mallorca (PMI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.09.202505:00 | Freebird Airlines 728 | Riga (RIX) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.09.202513:00 | Freebird Airlines 493 | Verona (VRN) Oslo (OSL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.09.202510:30 | Freebird Airlines 703 | Istanbul (IST) Verona (VRN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202518:00 | Freebird Airlines 730 | Catania (CTA) Istanbul (IST) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202514:10 | Freebird Airlines 1847 | Antalya (AYT) Frankfurt (FRA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202512:45 | Freebird Airlines 546 | Lyon (LYS) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202512:25 | Freebird Airlines 1322 | Stuttgart (STR) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202511:50 | Freebird Airlines 574 | Birmingham (BHX) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202511:50 | Freebird Airlines 1194 | Dusseldorf (DUS) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202511:40 | Freebird Airlines 1282 | Berlin (BER) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202510:30 | Freebird Airlines 1412 | Friedrichshafen (FDH) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
26.09.202523:20 | Freebird Airlines 563 | Muscat (MCT) Islamabad (ISB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
26.09.202511:45 | Freebird Airlines 8348 | Istanbul (ADB) Brussels (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
26.09.202506:05 | Freebird Airlines 653 | Dalaman (DLM) Bristol (BRS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.09.202516:25 | Freebird Airlines 553 | Antalya (AYT) Newcastle (NCL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.09.202514:30 | Freebird Airlines 792 | Riga (RIX) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.09.202514:00 | Freebird Airlines 873 | Antalya (AYT) Oradea (OMR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.09.202513:50 | Freebird Airlines 9013 | Konya (KYA) Jeddah (JED) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.09.202513:05 | Freebird Airlines 1614 | Karlsruhe (FKB) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.09.202510:50 | Freebird Airlines 248 | Prague (PRG) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.09.202509:35 | Freebird Airlines 756 | Warsaw (WAW) Antalya (AYT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
