Flight cancellations or delays due to airline strikes can be annoying, but there is good news for travelers. There is a regulation called EU 261/2004 that protects you. It stipulates that airlines have to issue compensation if your flight is cancelled or delayed because of a strike. In this article, we will clarify what EU261 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 entitlement 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 have a right to seek compensation if a wildcat or planned strike by airline workers disrupts your flight. It’s important to note, that both cases do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” i.e., those beyond the airline’s control. Flight Cancellation Compensation According to 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 scheduled travel date. However, as is frequently the case, there are exceptions you should be aware of. Specifically, the airline has a right to refuse compensation if they choose to offer you an alternative flight. Though this flight is required to 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 duration of the delay. See the table provided below for compensation amounts: Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km€300€300€300€600€600Non-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 itinerary. You are entitled to compensation if the flight delay caused by an airline strike lasts three or more hours. As for the possible amount of compensation that passengers can expect, there are two key factors to consider: the duration of the delay and the flight distance. Check the table below for compensation amounts: Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursDistance€0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km€0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km€0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km€0€300€600All 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 obtains more substantial rights. There are two options for you to choose 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 select the option that meets your needs. Right to Care Besides compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight resulting from an airline strike, passengers are also entitled to the right to care. So, the airline is required to provide passengers with meals, beverages, 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 transport to and from the hotel. Upgrading and Downgrading Occasionally it happens the airline may either downgrade or upgrade your flight’s class when providing 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 aren’t required to pay extra for this benefit. In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline must reimburse you. Again, the compensation here 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 regulations apply to all flights inside the EU; besides, these regulations 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 can’t influence or prevent the strike, there will be no compensation for passengers. Let’s take an example: any labor dispute may significantly affect aviation (it can be a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such situations are not under the airline’s control, and it’s not their fault that this situation occurs. As a result, an airline is not required 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 provide compensation. According to 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, it is required to pay passengers compensation for flight disruptions. Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004? European Union Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from European Union airports. It also applies 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, Oman Air isn’t a European airline. Therefore, 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. ItineraryCovered by EU 261Flights departing from EU airports✔️ YesFlights arriving at EU airports❌ No How to Get Oman Air Strike Compensation Dealing with delayed or cancelled flights 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, follow these steps: Complete this form. You’ll need to provide 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 understand the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.