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 that protects you. It says that airlines are required 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 details of EU Regulation 261. In the following sections, you will learn about 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 have a right to seek compensation if a wildcat or planned strike of the airline’s workers disrupts your flight. It’s important to note, that both cases do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” which are events outside the airline’s control.
Saudia 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 two weeks before your planned departure date.
However, as is frequently the case, there are exceptions you should be aware of. In particular, the airline is entitled to refuse compensation if they decide to offer you an alternative flight. However, this flight must 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 reached your final destination later than originally scheduled, you are still eligible to claim compensation.
The key 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 |
Saudia Flight Delay Compensation
Delays caused by airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and can significantly disrupt your itinerary. You may be eligible for compensation if the flight delay caused by an airline strike lasts at least three hours.
As for the possible 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 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 either cancelled or delayed for 5 or more hours, the passenger obtains more substantial rights. You have two options to select 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 flight compensation for a delayed or cancelled 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. 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
In some instances, it happens the airline might either upgrade or downgrade your flight’s class when providing an alternative flight. In these situations, you need to understand specific rules and your rights:
In case of upgrading: if your class has been upgraded, you aren’t required to pay extra for this advantage.
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 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 could significantly affect aviation (such as 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, the airline is not obligated to pay compensation for disrupted flights.
Although many cases 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 prevent a strike. If the airline cannot prove it, it is 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. This regulation also extends 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, Saudia is not a European airline. Therefore, 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 Saudia 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 this 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 manage the process. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to obtain your rightful 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
07.01.202622:30 | Saudia 6325 | (KUL) (ADL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202621:30 | Saudia 963 | (HKG) (RUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202620:55 | Saudia 1709 | (RUH) (ABT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202620:25 | Saudia 6634 | (JED) (AHB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202620:05 | Saudia 1652 | (JED) (AHB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202619:55 | Saudia 6994 | (CAN) (LHW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202619:15 | Saudia 1383 | (AJF) (JED) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:15 | Saudia 6456 | (RUH) (AHB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:30 | Saudia 589 | (DXB) (JED) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:50 | Saudia 6102 | (DMM) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:40 | Saudia 1382 | (JED) (AJF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:30 | Saudia 6302 | (AMS) (BER) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:55 | Saudia 1675 | (RUH) (AHB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:45 | Saudia 550 | (JED) (DXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:40 | Saudia 6002 | (AMS) (DUB) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:10 | Saudia 6027 | (MAD) (BCN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:10 | Saudia 6313 | (AMS) (BGO) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:05 | Saudia 6463 | (AHB) (JED) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:05 | Saudia 556 | (RUH) (DXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:05 | Saudia 6755 | (AMS) (KRK) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:45 | Saudia 6014 | (RUH) (AHB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:25 | Saudia 6337 | (AMS) (BCN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:20 | Saudia 6303 | (AMS) (BER) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:20 | Saudia 1648 | (JED) (AHB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:35 | Saudia 1671 | (RUH) (AHB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:25 | Saudia 6117 | (JED) (BEY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:10 | Saudia 6462 | (JED) (AHB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:45 | Saudia 6843 | (CAN) (PKX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:15 | Saudia 588 | (JED) (DXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:00 | Saudia 6304 | (BER) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:50 | Saudia 6754 | (KRK) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:45 | Saudia 6207 | (HND) (CGK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:30 | Saudia 6308 | (ARN) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:25 | Saudia 852 | (RUH) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:20 | Saudia 6306 | (HAM) (AMS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:45 | Saudia 6392 | (BRU) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:10 | Saudia 6349 | (BER) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:50 | Saudia 6397 | (BER) (CDG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:50 | Saudia 6650 | (JED) (HOF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:45 | Saudia 6350 | (ARN) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:40 | Saudia 6687 | (LHR) (BGI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:40 | Saudia 6170 | (CGK) (DPS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:25 | Saudia 6614 | (AMS) (BRU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:50 | Saudia 6818 | (DUB) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:05 | Saudia 6391 | (BRU) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:00 | Saudia 6982 | (LHR) (BGI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202605:55 | Saudia 6811 | (DUB) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202603:10 | Saudia 6584 | (JED) (KWI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202603:10 | Saudia 888 | (RUH) (PKX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202623:15 | Saudia 1531 | (RUH) (TUU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202623:10 | Saudia 1555 | (RUH) (NUM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202622:00 | Saudia 6849 | (CAN) (PKX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202621:20 | Saudia 6632 | (CAI) (RUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202621:20 | Saudia 6664 | (JED) (CAI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202620:45 | Saudia 6178 | (DPS) (CGK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202618:00 | Saudia 62 | (YYZ) (JED) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202617:30 | Saudia 6158 | (CGK) (SRG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202616:30 | Saudia 6302 | (AMS) (BER) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.01.202615:50 | Saudia 1507 | (RUH) (RAH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202614:20 | Saudia 6303 | (AMS) (BER) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.01.202613:25 | Saudia 6235 | (FCO) (NAP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202613:15 | Saudia 6295 | (FCO) (REG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202613:15 | Saudia 6232 | (FCO) (TRN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202612:45 | Saudia 6843 | (CAN) (PKX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202612:40 | Saudia 6298 | (ATH) (FCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202612:30 | Saudia 6929 | (NBO) (EBB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202612:05 | Saudia 6229 | (FCO) (CTA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202612:00 | Saudia 6304 | (BER) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.01.202611:50 | Saudia 6754 | (KRK) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.01.202611:45 | Saudia 6207 | (HND) (CGK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202611:20 | Saudia 6257 | (NCE) (FCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202610:45 | Saudia 6253 | (ZRH) (FCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202610:10 | Saudia 6349 | (BER) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.01.202610:00 | Saudia 207 | (RUH) (FCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202609:50 | Saudia 1511 | (RUH) (TUI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202609:35 | Saudia 6320 | (CDG) (BER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202609:10 | Saudia 6402 | (CDG) (DUS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202609:10 | Saudia 6726 | (FCO) (LAX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202608:50 | Saudia 1533 | (RUH) (TUU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202606:25 | Saudia 365 | (JED) (TUN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202602:55 | Saudia 806 | (RUH) (DAC) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
05.01.202623:55 | Saudia 853 | (HKT) (JED) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202620:45 | Saudia 6309 | (AMS) (HEL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
05.01.202619:15 | Saudia 6803 | (RUH) (MNL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202619:00 | Saudia 1160 | (RUH) (DMM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202618:40 | Saudia 1529 | (RUH) (TUU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202618:35 | Saudia 1926 | (WAE) (RUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202618:20 | Saudia 1677 | (RUH) (AHB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202618:15 | Saudia 6595 | (RUH) (CAI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202618:15 | Saudia 6456 | (RUH) (AHB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202618:15 | Saudia 555 | (DXB) (RUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202618:05 | Saudia 1335 | (RUH) (HAS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202618:05 | Saudia 552 | (RUH) (DXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202618:00 | Saudia 1508 | (RAH) (RUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202617:55 | Saudia 6056 | (BEY) (RUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202617:55 | Saudia 1042 | (JED) (RUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202617:50 | Saudia 6813 | (DVO) (MNL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202617:45 | Saudia 6552 | (RUH) (JED) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202617:25 | Saudia 6424 | (JED) (RUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202617:10 | Saudia 6106 | (AHB) (RUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
