Flight cancellations or delays due to airline strikes can be annoying, but there is good news for travelers. There is a law called EU 261/2004 that protects you. It stipulates that airlines have to issue compensation if your flight is cancelled or delayed because of a strike. In this article, we will clarify what the EU 261 regulation is and how it can help you.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
Now let’s focus on the particulars 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 the EU 261/2004, 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, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” which are events outside the airline’s control.
South African Airways Flight Cancellation Compensation
According to 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 14 days before your planned departure date.
However, as it often happens, there are exceptions you should be aware of. In particular, the airline has a right to refuse compensation if they choose to offer you an alternative flight. However, 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 proposed by the airline but arrived at the 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 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 |
South African Airways Flight Delay Compensation
Delays due to 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 a minimum of three hours.
As for the possible compensation amount that passengers may receive, 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 cases when a passenger’s flight is delayed for 5 or more hours or cancelled, the passenger is entitled to 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
In addition to flight compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight due to an airline strike, passengers also have the right to care. So, the airline must 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 has to provide you with a hotel, as well as transport from the airport to the hotel and back.
Upgrading and Downgrading
Occasionally it occurs the airline may either downgrade or upgrade your flight’s class when offering an alternative flight. In such cases, you should know about 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 here entirely depends 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; besides, 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 can’t control 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 required 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 pay 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 pay 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. This regulation also extends to 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, South African Airways is not 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.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Get South African Airways Strike Compensation
Dealing with cancelled or delayed flights due to strikes is always frustrating. Such situations can not only ruin your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To claim compensation for this inconvenience, follow these steps:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide flight details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
04.12.202522:40 | South African Airways 2350 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Maceio (MCZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.12.202522:05 | South African Airways 7900 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Vitoria (VIX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.12.202521:55 | South African Airways 2352 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Goiania (GYN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.12.202521:50 | South African Airways 2342 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Belem (BEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.12.202521:45 | South African Airways 2349 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Manaus (MAO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.12.202523:45 | South African Airways 2340 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Cuiaba (CGB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.12.202522:00 | South African Airways 61 | Lagos (LOS) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.12.202521:55 | South African Airways 2353 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Iguassu Falls (IGU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.12.202521:40 | South African Airways 2352 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Goiania (GYN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.12.202520:15 | South African Airways 7241 | Johannesburg (JNB) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.12.202516:55 | South African Airways 7265 | Perth (PER) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.12.202515:10 | South African Airways 60 | Johannesburg (JNB) Lagos (LOS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.12.202510:10 | South African Airways 7161 | Dubai (DXB) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.12.202506:20 | South African Airways 7126 | Nairobi (NBO) Mombasa (MBA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.12.202522:15 | South African Airways 2354 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Natal (NAT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.12.202521:00 | South African Airways 58 | Johannesburg (JNB) Kinshasa (FIH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.12.202520:15 | South African Airways 7241 | Johannesburg (JNB) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.12.202516:45 | South African Airways 7255 | Perth (PER) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.12.202512:30 | South African Airways 7256 | Brisbane (BNE) Perth (PER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.12.202522:40 | South African Airways 2350 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Maceio (MCZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.12.202522:40 | South African Airways 2351 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Maceio (MCZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.12.202520:15 | South African Airways 7241 | Johannesburg (JNB) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.12.202511:40 | South African Airways 2362 | Goiania (GYN) Sao Paulo (GRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.12.202511:10 | South African Airways 327 | Johannesburg (JNB) Cape Town (CPT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.12.202511:05 | South African Airways 326 | Cape Town (CPT) Johannesburg (JNB) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
01.12.202510:40 | South African Airways 7232 | Cape Town (CPT) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.12.202509:30 | South African Airways 7577 | Cape Town (CPT) Munich (MUC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.12.202509:25 | South African Airways 319 | Johannesburg (JNB) Cape Town (CPT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.12.202509:25 | South African Airways 50 | Johannesburg (JNB) Lubumbashi (FBM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.12.202509:10 | South African Airways 7157 | Dubai (DXB) Cape Town (CPT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.12.202508:10 | South African Airways 313 | Johannesburg (JNB) Cape Town (CPT) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
01.12.202507:10 | South African Airways 7231 | Johannesburg (JNB) Cape Town (CPT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.12.202506:55 | South African Airways 306 | Cape Town (CPT) Johannesburg (JNB) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
01.12.202506:40 | South African Airways 30 | Johannesburg (JNB) Gaborone (GBE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.12.202506:15 | South African Airways 2335 | Florianopolis (FLN) Sao Paulo (GRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.12.202503:25 | South African Airways 2323 | Belem (BEL) Sao Paulo (GRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.11.202520:15 | South African Airways 7241 | Johannesburg (JNB) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.11.202500:55 | South African Airways 7145 | Nairobi (NBO) Entebbe (EBB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.11.202520:15 | South African Airways 7241 | Johannesburg (JNB) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.11.202520:10 | South African Airways 7130 | Nairobi (NBO) Mombasa (MBA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.11.202518:25 | South African Airways 7124 | Kisumu (KIS) Nairobi (NBO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.11.202512:50 | South African Airways 551 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.11.202512:05 | South African Airways 7116 | Johannesburg (JNB) Nairobi (NBO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.11.202511:45 | South African Airways 40 | Johannesburg (JNB) Victoria Falls (VFA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.11.202511:10 | South African Airways 7899 | Vitoria (VIX) Sao Paulo (GRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.11.202511:00 | South African Airways 546 | Durban (DUR) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.11.202509:20 | South African Airways 539 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.11.202511:00 | South African Airways 546 | Durban (DUR) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.11.202509:20 | South African Airways 539 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.11.202518:50 | South African Airways 7158 | Johannesburg (JNB) Dubai (DXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.11.202501:30 | South African Airways 7231 | Singapore (SIN) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
26.11.202520:15 | South African Airways 7241 | Johannesburg (JNB) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
26.11.202517:55 | South African Airways 7264 | Darwin (DRW) Perth (PER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.11.202520:15 | South African Airways 7241 | Johannesburg (JNB) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.11.202511:45 | South African Airways 40 | Johannesburg (JNB) Victoria Falls (VFA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.11.202522:20 | South African Airways 7162 | Johannesburg (JNB) Dubai (DXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.11.202522:15 | South African Airways 2354 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Natal (NAT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.11.202520:15 | South African Airways 7241 | Johannesburg (JNB) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.11.202519:00 | South African Airways 7124 | Kisumu (KIS) Nairobi (NBO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.11.202518:50 | South African Airways 7158 | Johannesburg (JNB) Dubai (DXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.11.202518:30 | South African Airways 7156 | Cape Town (CPT) Dubai (DXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
23.11.202522:40 | South African Airways 7242 | Zurich (ZRH) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
23.11.202520:15 | South African Airways 7241 | Johannesburg (JNB) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
23.11.202514:30 | South African Airways 7200 | Johannesburg (JNB) Addis Ababa (ADD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202508:10 | South African Airways 7074 | Auckland (AKL) Wellington (WLG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202507:30 | South African Airways 7207 | Cairo (CAI) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202501:30 | South African Airways 7231 | Singapore (SIN) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202520:15 | South African Airways 7241 | Johannesburg (JNB) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202516:45 | South African Airways 7255 | Perth (PER) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202513:40 | South African Airways 7232 | Johannesburg (JNB) Singapore (SIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202511:55 | South African Airways 7075 | Wellington (WLG) Auckland (AKL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202510:40 | South African Airways 7165 | Dubai (DXB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202516:55 | South African Airways 571 | Johannesburg (JNB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202515:20 | South African Airways 562 | Durban (DUR) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202510:40 | South African Airways 7165 | Dubai (DXB) Durban (DUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202510:40 | South African Airways 62 | Johannesburg (JNB) Lusaka (LUN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202508:30 | South African Airways 7070 | Auckland (AKL) Christchurch (CHC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202523:30 | South African Airways 7203 | Addis Ababa (ADD) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202522:50 | South African Airways 7207 | Cairo (CAI) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202522:45 | South African Airways 2348 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Florianopolis (FLN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202520:15 | South African Airways 7241 | Johannesburg (JNB) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202518:00 | South African Airways 39 | Gaborone (GBE) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202516:25 | South African Airways 38 | Johannesburg (JNB) Gaborone (GBE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202503:40 | South African Airways 2323 | Belem (BEL) Sao Paulo (GRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202513:45 | South African Airways 7179 | Cairo (CAI) Luxor (LXR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202511:45 | South African Airways 40 | Johannesburg (JNB) Victoria Falls (VFA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202511:00 | South African Airways 7069 | Christchurch (CHC) Auckland (AKL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
08.11.202508:30 | South African Airways 7070 | Auckland (AKL) Christchurch (CHC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202522:45 | South African Airways 2348 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Florianopolis (FLN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202520:15 | South African Airways 7241 | Johannesburg (JNB) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202518:30 | South African Airways 7124 | Kisumu (KIS) Nairobi (NBO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202523:40 | South African Airways 2359 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Recife (REC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202522:50 | South African Airways 2341 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Sao Paulo (CNF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202522:40 | South African Airways 2342 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Belem (BEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202520:35 | South African Airways 2360 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Salvador (SSA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202520:15 | South African Airways 7241 | Johannesburg (JNB) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202514:25 | South African Airways 7163 | Dubai (DXB) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202511:25 | South African Airways 7125 | Nairobi (NBO) Kisumu (KIS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202504:10 | South African Airways 7159 | Dubai (DXB) Johannesburg (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.11.202522:40 | South African Airways 2342 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Belem (BEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
