Flight delays or cancellations due to airline strikes can be frustrating, but there is good news for passengers. There is a law 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 assist you.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
Now let’s explore the particulars of EU Regulation 261/2004. In the following sections, you will discover your entitlement to compensation and what benefits you can expect in the event of a flight disruption.
Right to Compensation
The European Union regulation states that if you are covered by EU 261, you are entitled to claim compensation if a wildcat or planned strike of the airline’s workers affects your flight. It is worth noting, that both cases do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” which are events outside the airline’s control.
Safair Flight Cancellation Compensation
According to 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.
Yet, as is frequently the case, there are exceptions you should be aware of. In particular, the airline is entitled to refuse compensation if they choose to offer you an alternative flight. However, this flight must also 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 main factors that affect the amount of compensation are the flight distance and the delay time. Check 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 |
Safair Flight Delay Compensation
Delays caused by airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and may seriously affect your itinerary. You are entitled to compensation if the flight delay caused by an airline strike lasts three or more hours.
As for the potential compensation amount 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 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 delayed or cancelled 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 flight compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight due to an airline strike, passengers also have the right to care. Therefore, 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 has to provide you with a hotel, as well as transport to and from the hotel.
Upgrading and Downgrading
In some instances, it happens the airline can 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 won’t have 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 here 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 regulations 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 be aware that in situations when the airline can’t influence or prevent the strike, there will be no compensation for passengers. Let’s take an example: any labor dispute can significantly 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 its fault that this situation happens. As a result, an 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 does not 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 they have done everything possible to avoid 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 covers all flights departing from EU airports. It also covers 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, Safair is not a European airline. Therefore, 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 Safair Strike Compensation
Dealing with flight delays or cancellations due to strikes is always frustrating. Such situations can spoil your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To seek compensation for this inconvenience, proceed with these steps:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide flight details such as 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
10.11.202519:00 | Safair 278 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202516:00 | Safair 288 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202515:00 | Safair 416 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202516:40 | Safair 226 | Johannesburg (JNB) George (GRJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202519:50 | Safair 478 | Johannesburg (HLA) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202516:25 | Safair 384 | Johannesburg (JNB) East London (ELS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202514:45 | Safair 225 | George (GRJ) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202512:10 | Safair 224 | Johannesburg (JNB) George (GRJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.11.202512:50 | Safair 752 | Johannesburg (JNB) Victoria Falls (VFA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
31.10.202516:00 | Safair 252 | Johannesburg (JNB) George (GRJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
31.10.202511:00 | Safair 220 | Johannesburg (JNB) George (GRJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.10.202515:20 | Safair 637 | Hoedspruit (HDS) Cape Town (CPT) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
30.10.202512:15 | Safair 636 | Cape Town (CPT) Hoedspruit (HDS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
26.10.202512:50 | Safair 752 | Johannesburg (JNB) Victoria Falls (VFA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.10.202519:50 | Safair 478 | Johannesburg (HLA) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.10.202519:40 | Safair 323 | Durban (DUR) Johannesburg (HLA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.10.202519:40 | Safair 323 | Durban (DUR) Johannesburg (HLA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.10.202518:00 | Safair 477 | Durban (DUR) Johannesburg (HLA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.10.202517:50 | Safair 322 | Johannesburg (HLA) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.10.202516:30 | Safair 418 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.10.202516:05 | Safair 422 | Port Elizabeth (PLZ) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.10.202512:15 | Safair 636 | Cape Town (CPT) Hoedspruit (HDS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.10.202508:40 | Safair 841 | Bloemfontein (BFN) Cape Town (CPT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.10.202512:15 | Safair 636 | Cape Town (CPT) Hoedspruit (HDS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.10.202509:00 | Safair 570 | Johannesburg (JNB) Zanzibar (ZNZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.10.202518:05 | Safair 249 | East London (ELS) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.10.202516:00 | Safair 252 | Johannesburg (JNB) George (GRJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.10.202515:20 | Safair 637 | Hoedspruit (HDS) Cape Town (CPT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.10.202516:00 | Safair 252 | Johannesburg (JNB) George (GRJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.10.202513:05 | Safair 373 | Johannesburg (JNB) Port Elizabeth (PLZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.09.202511:10 | Safair 360 | Johannesburg (JNB) Port Elizabeth (PLZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.09.202511:00 | Safair 220 | Johannesburg (JNB) George (GRJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.09.202510:25 | Safair 661 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.09.202510:15 | Safair 294 | Johannesburg (JNB) Cape Town (CPT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.09.202510:10 | Safair 452 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.09.202509:30 | Safair 389 | East London (ELS) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.09.202507:20 | Safair 276 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.09.202506:45 | Safair 260 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.09.202506:40 | Safair 450 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.09.202506:30 | Safair 604 | Johannesburg (JNB) Cape Town (CPT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202520:55 | Safair 625 | Cape Town (CPT) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202520:45 | Safair 279 | Durban (DUR) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202520:30 | Safair 501 | Cape Town (CPT) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202520:25 | Safair 667 | Durban (DUR) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202520:15 | Safair 125 | Johannesburg (JNB) Cape Town (CPT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202520:15 | Safair 531 | Durban (DUR) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202519:50 | Safair 205 | Cape Town (CPT) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202519:45 | Safair 839 | Bloemfontein (BFN) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202519:45 | Safair 540 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202519:35 | Safair 233 | Port Elizabeth (PLZ) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202519:35 | Safair 115 | Johannesburg (JNB) Cape Town (CPT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202519:35 | Safair 269 | Durban (DUR) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202519:15 | Safair 215 | Cape Town (CPT) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202518:35 | Safair 253 | George (GRJ) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202518:30 | Safair 530 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202518:30 | Safair 691 | Johannesburg (JNB) Cape Town (CPT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202518:05 | Safair 217 | Cape Town (CPT) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202517:15 | Safair 232 | Johannesburg (JNB) Port Elizabeth (PLZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202516:20 | Safair 120 | Cape Town (CPT) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202516:10 | Safair 263 | Durban (DUR) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202516:00 | Safair 379 | East London (ELS) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202515:50 | Safair 755 | Victoria Falls (VFA) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202515:25 | Safair 535 | Port Elizabeth (PLZ) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202515:10 | Safair 651 | George (GRJ) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.09.202515:10 | Safair 207 | Cape Town (CPT) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202520:45 | Safair 279 | Durban (DUR) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202520:05 | Safair 515 | Durban (DUR) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202519:40 | Safair 861 | Durban (DUR) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202519:35 | Safair 233 | Port Elizabeth (PLZ) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202519:25 | Safair 391 | Durban (DUR) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202519:00 | Safair 278 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202518:55 | Safair 281 | Durban (DUR) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202518:35 | Safair 385 | East London (ELS) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202517:55 | Safair 860 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202517:40 | Safair 390 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202517:10 | Safair 280 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202516:20 | Safair 120 | Cape Town (CPT) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202515:50 | Safair 833 | East London (ELS) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202515:40 | Safair 513 | Cape Town (CPT) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202515:25 | Safair 374 | Port Elizabeth (PLZ) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202514:45 | Safair 225 | George (GRJ) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.09.202512:10 | Safair 224 | Johannesburg (JNB) George (GRJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.09.202516:00 | Safair 252 | Johannesburg (JNB) George (GRJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.09.202511:00 | Safair 220 | Johannesburg (JNB) George (GRJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
