Flight cancellations or delays due to airline strikes can be frustrating, but there is good news for travelers. There is a regulation 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 261/2004. In the following sections, you will discover 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 protected by EU 261, you are entitled to claim compensation if a wildcat or planned strike by airline workers affects your flight. Notably, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” meaning circumstances the airline cannot 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.
Yet, as is frequently the case, there are exceptions you should be aware of. Specifically, the airline is entitled to refuse compensation if they decide 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 proposed 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 duration of the delay. See 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 |
Flight Delay Compensation
Delays due to airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and can significantly disrupt your plans. You may be eligible for compensation if the flight delay resulting from an airline strike lasts three or more hours.
Regarding the potential 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 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 cases when a passenger’s flight is delayed for 5 or more hours or cancelled, the passenger is entitled to more significant rights. There are two options for you to choose 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 compensation for a disrupted flight resulting from an airline strike, passengers also have the right to care. So, the airline is required to 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 obliged to provide you with a hotel, as well as transportation between the airport and 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 these situations, you need to be aware of specific rules and your rights:
In case of upgrading: if your class has been upgraded, you won’t have to pay extra for this advantage.
In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline must reimburse you. Again, 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 apply to all flights inside the EU; besides, these rules 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 understand that in situations where the airline cannot control or prevent the strike, there will be no compensation for passengers. Let’s take an example: any labor dispute may considerably 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. Therefore, the airline is not required 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 provide compensation.
In line with the ECJ ruling of 11 June 2020 (Case C-74/19), the airline must prove it has done everything possible to prevent a strike. If the airline cannot prove it, they are obliged to pay passengers compensation for flight disruptions.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU 261 applies to 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, Japan Airlines is not a European airline. Consequently, they are not obliged 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 Japan Airlines Strike Compensation
Dealing with flight cancellations or delays due to strikes is always frustrating. This can not only ruin 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 details like your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws thoroughly 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 | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
30.05.202508:30 | Japan Airlines 107 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (ITM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202508:20 | Japan Airlines 231 | Tokyo (HND) Okayama (OKJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202508:15 | Japan Airlines 505 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (CTS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202508:15 | J-Air (Expo 2025 Osaka Livery) 291 | Tokyo (HND) Ube (UBJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202508:00 | Japan Airlines 625 | Tokyo (HND) Kumamoto (KMJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202507:50 | Japan Airlines 573 | Tokyo (HND) Obihiro (OBO) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202507:45 | Japan Airlines 541 | Tokyo (HND) Kushiro (KUH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202507:45 | Japan Airlines 475 | Tokyo (HND) Takamatsu (TAK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202507:40 | Japan Airlines 213 | Tokyo (HND) Shirahama (SHM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202507:30 | Japan Airlines 585 | Tokyo (HND) Hakodate (HKD) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202507:30 | Japan Airlines 903 | Tokyo (HND) Okinawa (OKA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202507:20 | Japan Airlines 141 | Tokyo (HND) Aomori (AOJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202507:10 | Japan Airlines 221 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (KIX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202507:10 | Japan Airlines 232 | Okayama (OKJ) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202507:05 | Japan Airlines 102 | Tokyo (ITM) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202506:45 | Japan Airlines 220 | Tokyo (KIX) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202506:30 | Japan Airlines 101 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (ITM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202506:30 | Japan Airlines 901 | Tokyo (HND) Okinawa (OKA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202506:25 | Japan Airlines (Oneworld Livery) 303 | Tokyo (HND) Fukuoka (FUK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202506:25 | Japan Airlines 641 | Tokyo (HND) Kagoshima (KOJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202506:20 | Japan Airlines 623 | Tokyo (HND) Kumamoto (KMJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202501:55 | Japan Airlines 38 | Singapore (SIN) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202500:05 | Japan Airlines 35 | Tokyo (HND) Singapore (SIN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202519:50 | Japan Airlines 267 | Tokyo (HND) Hiroshima (HIJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202519:45 | Japan Airlines 465 | Tokyo (HND) Tokushima (TKS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202519:25 | Japan Airlines 242 | Okayama (OKJ) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202519:15 | Japan Airlines 655 | Tokyo (HND) Kagoshima (KOJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202519:10 | Japan Airlines 139 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (ITM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202519:10 | Japan Airlines 524 | Tokyo (CTS) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202519:00 | Japan Airlines 639 | Tokyo (HND) Kumamoto (KMJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202519:00 | J-Air 297 | Tokyo (HND) Ube (UBJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202518:55 | Japan Airlines 499 | Tokyo (HND) Kochi (KCZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202518:45 | Japan Airlines 331 | Tokyo (HND) Fukuoka (FUK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202518:20 | Japan Airlines 99 | Tokyo (HND) Taipei (TSA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202518:00 | Japan Airlines (Disney 100 Livery) 326 | Fukuoka (FUK) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202517:35 | Japan Airlines 131 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (ITM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202517:30 | Japan Airlines 239 | Tokyo (HND) Okayama (OKJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202517:30 | Japan Airlines 557 | Tokyo (HND) Asahikawa (AKJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202517:25 | Japan Airlines 589 | Tokyo (HND) Hakodate (HKD) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202517:15 | Japan Airlines 159 | Tokyo (HND) Misawa (MSJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202516:55 | Japan Airlines 285 | Tokyo (HND) Izumo (IZO) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202516:55 | Japan Airlines 439 | Tokyo (HND) Matsuyama (MYJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202516:55 | Japan Airlines 923 | Tokyo (HND) Okinawa (OKA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202516:30 | Japan Airlines 523 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (CTS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202516:30 | Japan Airlines 219 | Tokyo (HND) Shirahama (SHM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202516:00 | Japan Airlines 516 | Tokyo (CTS) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202515:50 | Japan Airlines 914 | Okinawa (OKA) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202515:40 | Japan Airlines 461 | Tokyo (HND) Tokushima (TKS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202515:30 | Japan Airlines 147 | Tokyo (HND) Aomori (AOJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202515:30 | Japan Airlines 521 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (CTS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202515:25 | Japan Airlines 632 | Kumamoto (KMJ) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202515:10 | Japan Airlines 514 | Tokyo (CTS) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202515:10 | Japan Airlines 574 | Obihiro (OBO) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202515:05 | Japan Airlines 988 | Okinawa (OKA) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202515:00 | J-Air 157 | Tokyo (HND) Misawa (MSJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202515:00 | Japan Airlines 564 | Memanbetsu (MMB) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202514:55 | Japan Airlines 188 | Komatsu (KMQ) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202514:45 | Japan Airlines 667 | Tokyo (HND) Oita (OIT) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202514:40 | Japan Airlines 648 | Kagoshima (KOJ) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202514:30 | Japan Airlines 121 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (ITM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202514:25 | J-Air (Expo 2025 Osaka Livery) 693 | Tokyo (HND) Miyazaki (KMI) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202514:05 | Japan Airlines 912 | Okinawa (OKA) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202514:00 | Japan Airlines (Dream Sho Jet Livery) 321 | Tokyo (HND) Fukuoka (FUK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202514:00 | Japan Airlines 495 | Tokyo (HND) Kochi (KCZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202513:55 | Japan Airlines 512 | Tokyo (CTS) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202513:45 | Japan Airlines 375 | Tokyo (HND) Kita Kyushu (KKJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202513:30 | Japan Airlines 119 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (ITM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202513:30 | Japan Airlines 649 | Tokyo (HND) Kagoshima (KOJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202513:25 | Japan Airlines (Oneworld Livery) 910 | Okinawa (OKA) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202512:45 | Japan Airlines 646 | Kagoshima (KOJ) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202512:40 | Japan Airlines 908 | Okinawa (OKA) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202512:30 | Japan Airlines 117 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (ITM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202512:20 | Japan Airlines 906 | Okinawa (OKA) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202511:55 | Japan Airlines 647 | Tokyo (HND) Kagoshima (KOJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202511:30 | Japan Airlines 115 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (ITM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202511:25 | Japan Airlines 37 | Tokyo (HND) Singapore (SIN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202511:15 | Japan Airlines 479 | Tokyo (HND) Takamatsu (TAK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202511:10 | Japan Airlines 904 | Okinawa (OKA) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202510:35 | Japan Airlines 690 | Miyazaki (KMI) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202510:30 | Japan Airlines 113 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (ITM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202510:20 | Japan Airlines 233 | Tokyo (HND) Okayama (OKJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202510:05 | Japan Airlines 902 | Okinawa (OKA) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202510:05 | Japan Airlines 607 | Tokyo (HND) Nagasaki (NGS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202510:00 | Japan Airlines 570 | Obihiro (OBO) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202509:55 | J-Air 689 | Tokyo (HND) Miyazaki (KMI) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202509:55 | Japan Airlines 29 | Tokyo (HND) Hong Kong (HKG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202509:55 | Japan Airlines 152 | Misawa (MSJ) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202509:30 | Japan Airlines 111 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (ITM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202509:05 | Japan Airlines 80 | Shanghai (PVG) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202508:50 | Japan Airlines 255 | Tokyo (HND) Hiroshima (HIJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202508:30 | Japan Airlines 107 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (ITM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202508:25 | Japan Airlines 91 | Tokyo (HND) Seoul (GMP) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202508:15 | J-Air 291 | Tokyo (HND) Ube (UBJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202507:45 | Japan Airlines 475 | Tokyo (HND) Takamatsu (TAK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202507:40 | Japan Airlines 213 | Tokyo (HND) Shirahama (SHM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202507:30 | Japan Airlines 491 | Tokyo (HND) Kochi (KCZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202507:30 | Japan Airlines 103 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (ITM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202507:20 | Japan Airlines 141 | Tokyo (HND) Aomori (AOJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202507:15 | Japan Airlines 431 | Tokyo (HND) Matsuyama (MYJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202507:05 | Japan Airlines 452 | Tokushima (TKS) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
