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 says that airlines are required to issue compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled due to a strike. In this article, we will clarify what EU261 is and how it can assist 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 eligibility for compensation and what advantages you can expect in the event of a flight disruption.
Right to Compensation
The European Union regulation stipulates that if you are protected by EU 261, you are entitled to claim 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” which are events outside the airline’s control.
Flight Cancellation Compensation
Under 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 scheduled travel date.
However, as is frequently the case, there are exceptions you should be aware of. Specifically, the airline is entitled to refuse compensation if they decide to offer you an alternative flight. Though this flight should 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 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. Check 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 |
Flight Delay Compensation
Delays caused by airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and can significantly disrupt your plans. You may be eligible for compensation if the flight delay resulting from an airline strike lasts three or more hours.
As for the possible amount of compensation 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 cases 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 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 cancelled or delayed flight due to an airline strike, passengers also have the right to care. Therefore, the airline is required to provide passengers with meals, 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 to and from the hotel.
Upgrading and Downgrading
Sometimes it occurs the airline might either upgrade or downgrade your flight’s class when providing an alternative flight. In these situations, you need to know about specific rules and your rights:
In case of upgrading: if your class has been upgraded, you don’t need to pay extra for this benefit.
In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline is obligated to reimburse you. Furthermore, the compensation here 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 regulations 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 understand that in situations 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 could 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 happens. Therefore, 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.
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, 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 airports in the EU. 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, Sky Airline isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have 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 Sky Airline Strike Compensation
Dealing with flight cancellations or delays due to strikes is always frustrating. Such situations 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 details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We understand the EU laws well and will do our best to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged 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 | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
06.05.202518:16 | Sky Airline 2151 | Santiago (SCL) Temuco (ZCO) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202517:41 | Sky Airline 124 | Valdivia (ZAL) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:25 | Sky Airline 123 | Santiago (SCL) Valdivia (ZAL) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:07 | Sky Airline 142 | Temuco (ZCO) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202514:20 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202512:55 | Sky Airline 141 | Santiago (SCL) Temuco (ZCO) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202512:09 | Sky Airline 451 | La Serena (LSC) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202511:50 | Sky Airline 503 | Santiago (SCL) (EZE) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202511:41 | Sky Airline 280 | Santiago (SCL) Antofagasta (ANF) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202509:52 | Sky Airline 321 | Iquique (IQQ) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202509:35 | Sky Airline 221 | Copiapo (CPO) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202513:44 | Sky Airline 209 | La Serena (LSC) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202512:01 | Sky Airline 208 | Santiago (SCL) La Serena (LSC) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202508:13 | Sky Airline 401 | Santiago (SCL) Puerto Montt (PMC) | delayed | Refunds |
01.05.202514:35 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
30.04.202514:20 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
30.04.202504:30 | Sky Airline 300 | Santiago (SCL) Arica (ARI) | delayed | Refunds |
29.04.202519:20 | Sky Airline 5426 | Lima (LIM) Pucallpa (PCL) | delayed | Refunds |
29.04.202509:40 | Sky Airline 5262 | Lima (LIM) Trujillo (TRU) | delayed | Refunds |
28.04.202523:20 | Sky Airline 631 | Florianopolis (FLN) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
28.04.202521:27 | Sky Airline 2087 | Santiago (SCL) Puerto Montt (PMC) | delayed | Refunds |
28.04.202521:27 | Sky Airline 339 | Iquique (IQQ) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
28.04.202520:10 | Sky Airline 5288 | Lima (LIM) Trujillo (TRU) | delayed | Refunds |
28.04.202519:08 | Sky Airline 263 | Calama (CJC) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
28.04.202518:11 | Sky Airline 295 | Antofagasta (ANF) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
28.04.202516:40 | Sky Airline 5428 | Lima (LIM) Pucallpa (PCL) | delayed | Refunds |
28.04.202515:07 | Sky Airline 142 | Temuco (ZCO) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
28.04.202512:55 | Sky Airline 7408 | Monterrey (MTY) Hermosillo (HMO) | delayed | Refunds |
26.04.202517:43 | Sky Airline 457 | Antofagasta (ANF) La Serena (LSC) | delayed | Refunds |
26.04.202514:20 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
26.04.202508:52 | Sky Airline 460 | Santiago (SCL) La Serena (LSC) | delayed | Refunds |
25.04.202516:44 | Sky Airline 126 | Valdivia (ZAL) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
25.04.202514:20 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
25.04.202514:18 | Sky Airline 125 | Santiago (SCL) Valdivia (ZAL) | delayed | Refunds |
25.04.202512:40 | Sky Airline 106 | Osorno (ZOS) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
25.04.202510:20 | Sky Airline 105 | Santiago (SCL) Osorno (ZOS) | delayed | Refunds |
23.04.202520:31 | Sky Airline 150 | Temuco (ZCO) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
23.04.202514:20 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
23.04.202507:16 | Sky Airline 260 | Santiago (SCL) Calama (CJC) | delayed | Refunds |
23.04.202506:55 | Sky Airline 644 | Santiago (SCL) Montevideo (MVD) | delayed | Refunds |
23.04.202506:35 | Sky Airline 243 | Calama (CJC) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
23.04.202506:15 | Sky Airline 444 | Concepcion (CCP) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
23.04.202505:05 | Sky Airline 632 | Santiago (SCL) Florianopolis (FLN) | delayed | Refunds |
23.04.202504:00 | Sky Airline 320 | Santiago (SCL) Iquique (IQQ) | delayed | Refunds |
23.04.202500:28 | Sky Airline 7259 | Calama (CJC) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
22.04.202520:57 | Sky Airline 277 | Antofagasta (ANF) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
22.04.202513:25 | Sky Airline 101 | Santiago (SCL) Osorno (ZOS) | delayed | Refunds |
21.04.202514:20 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
19.04.202510:28 | Sky Airline 141 | Santiago (SCL) Temuco (ZCO) | delayed | Refunds |
18.04.202509:27 | Sky Airline 141 | Santiago (SCL) Temuco (ZCO) | delayed | Refunds |
16.04.202514:20 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
15.04.202515:00 | Sky Airline 105 | Santiago (SCL) Osorno (ZOS) | delayed | Refunds |
15.04.202514:20 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
12.04.202518:44 | Sky Airline 2416 | Santiago (SCL) Copiapo (CPO) | delayed | Refunds |
12.04.202518:02 | Sky Airline 146 | Temuco (ZCO) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
12.04.202516:00 | Sky Airline 147 | Santiago (SCL) Temuco (ZCO) | delayed | Refunds |
12.04.202514:20 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
11.04.202516:40 | Sky Airline 126 | Valdivia (ZAL) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
11.04.202514:20 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
11.04.202514:19 | Sky Airline 125 | Santiago (SCL) Valdivia (ZAL) | delayed | Refunds |
11.04.202512:41 | Sky Airline 106 | Osorno (ZOS) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
11.04.202510:20 | Sky Airline 105 | Santiago (SCL) Osorno (ZOS) | delayed | Refunds |
10.04.202514:20 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
09.04.202514:20 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
08.04.202513:25 | Sky Airline 105 | Santiago (SCL) Osorno (ZOS) | delayed | Refunds |
07.04.202514:20 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
05.04.202516:32 | Sky Airline 434 | Balmaceda (BBA) Puerto Montt (PMC) | delayed | Refunds |
05.04.202514:35 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
04.04.202514:35 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
03.04.202514:20 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
02.04.202514:35 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
01.04.202514:35 | Sky Airline 5226 | Lima (LIM) Piura (PIU) | delayed | Refunds |
30.03.202508:09 | Sky Airline 141 | Santiago (SCL) Temuco (ZCO) | delayed | Refunds |
29.03.202514:30 | Sky Airline 5209 | Lima (LIM) Ayacucho (AYP) | delayed | Refunds |
29.03.202506:25 | Sky Airline 5440 | Lima (LIM) Jauja (JAU) | cancelled | Refunds |
28.03.202520:40 | Sky Airline 148 | Temuco (ZCO) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Refunds |
28.03.202518:41 | Sky Airline 147 | Santiago (SCL) Temuco (ZCO) | delayed | Refunds |
28.03.202506:25 | Sky Airline 5440 | Lima (LIM) Jauja (JAU) | cancelled | Refunds |
