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 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 the EU 261 regulation is and how it can assist you.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
Now let’s explore the specifics of EU Regulation 261/2004. In the following sections, you will learn about your rights to compensation and what benefits 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 seek 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.
Sriwijaya Air 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 14 days before your scheduled travel date.
However, as it often happens, 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 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 proposed by the airline but arrived at the 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 delay time. 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 |
Sriwijaya Air Flight Delay Compensation
Delays caused by airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and may seriously affect your itinerary. You may be eligible for compensation if the flight delay caused by an airline strike lasts three or more hours.
Regarding the potential amount of compensation that passengers can expect, there are two important things 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 obtains more significant rights. You have two options to select from:
- You can refuse the delayed or cancelled 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 delayed or cancelled flight resulting from an airline strike, passengers are also entitled to 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 transportation from the airport to the hotel and back.
Upgrading and Downgrading
In some instances, it happens the airline can either downgrade or upgrade your flight’s class when providing an alternative flight. In such cases, you need to understand 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 must 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 inside the EU; besides, these rules cover 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 when the airline can’t control or prevent the strike, there will be no compensation for passengers. Let’s take an example: any labor dispute may significantly affect aviation (it can be a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such situations 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.
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.
According to the ECJ ruling of 11 June 2020 (Case C-74/19), the airline must prove it has done everything possible to avoid a strike. If the airline cannot prove it, it is required 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, Sriwijaya Air 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 Sriwijaya Air Strike Compensation
Dealing with flight delays or cancellations due to strikes is always frustrating. This can spoil 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 such as 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 are well-versed in the EU laws well and will do our best to secure your 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 | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
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