Flight delays or cancellations due to airline strikes can be annoying, but there is good news for travelers. There is a regulation called EU 261/2004 that protects you. It says that airlines must issue compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled as a result of a strike. In this article, we will explain what EU261 is and how it can assist you.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
Now let’s focus on the specifics of EU Regulation 261/2004. In the following sections, you will learn about your entitlement to compensation and what benefits you can expect in case of a flight disruption.
Right to Compensation
The European Union regulation stipulates that if you are covered by the EU 261/2004, you are entitled to seek compensation if a wildcat or planned strike of the airline’s workers affects your flight. It’s important to note, that both cases do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” i.e., those beyond the airline’s control.
Royal Brunei 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 planned departure 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 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 provided 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 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 |
Royal Brunei Airlines 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 caused by an airline strike lasts a minimum of three hours.
Concerning 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 delayed for 5 or more hours or cancelled, the passenger has more substantial 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
Besides flight compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight resulting from an airline strike, passengers are also entitled to the right to care. So, the airline must 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 required 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 may either downgrade or upgrade your flight’s class when offering 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 won’t have to pay extra for this benefit.
In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline must reimburse you. Furthermore, 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 rules cover all flights within the EU; additionally, 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 know that in cases in which 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 (it can be a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such occasions are not under the airline’s control, and it’s not its fault that this situation occurs. As a result, the airline is not obligated to pay compensation for disrupted flights.
Even though many instances 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.
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, they are obliged to provide passengers compensation for flight disruptions.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from EU 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, Royal Brunei Airlines isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they aren’t required 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 Royal Brunei 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 claim compensation for this inconvenience, follow these steps:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide flight details including 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 understand the EU laws well and will strive to secure your compensation. You only pay us 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 |
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