Flight delays or cancellations due to airline strikes can be annoying, but there is good news for passengers. 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 because of a strike. In this article, we will explain what EU261 is and how it can help 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 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 are entitled 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” meaning circumstances the airline cannot control. Flight Cancellation Compensation Under 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 14 days before your scheduled travel date. Yet, 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. However, 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 your final destination later than originally scheduled, you are still eligible to claim compensation. The main factors that affect the amount of compensation are the flight distance and the duration of the delay. Check 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 caused by airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and can significantly disrupt your plans. You are entitled to compensation if the flight delay resulting from an airline strike lasts three or more hours. Concerning the potential compensation amount 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 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 has more significant rights. You have two options to select 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 choose the option that meets your needs. Right to Care Besides compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight due to an airline strike, passengers are also entitled to the right to care. So, the airline is required to provide passengers with food, drinks, and the opportunity to make two phone calls, fax messages, and emails. When your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline is obliged to provide you with a hotel, as well as transport from the airport to the hotel and back. Upgrading and Downgrading Sometimes it occurs the airline may either upgrade or downgrade your flight’s class when providing an alternative flight. In these situations, you should understand specific rules and your rights: In case of upgrading: if your class has been upgraded, you won’t have to pay extra for this benefit. In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline must reimburse you. Again, 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 rules apply to 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 know that in cases when the airline cannot influence or prevent the strike, there will be no compensation for passengers. Let’s take an example: any labor dispute could significantly affect aviation (it can be a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such occasions 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. Even though 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 pay 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, they are obliged to provide 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 covers 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, Pegasus Airlines 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 Pegasus Airlines Strike Compensation Dealing with flight delays or cancellations due to strikes is always frustrating. It can spoil your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To seek compensation for this inconvenience, take the following actions: Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the problem you faced. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.