What to do when your flight is delayed or cancelled: our expert advice

What to do when your flight is delayed or cancelled

If a flight is delayed or cancelled it can be hugely disruptive, yet there can be many yet there’s a plethora of reasons why this can happen. According to data from SkyCop, there were nearly 218,000 departing flights cancelled or delayed by more than three hours across Europe in 2024, amounting to 1.5% of all departures.

Planning ahead for this unlikely, but far from impossible scenario and knowing what compensation you’re entitled to is key. Let’s take you through your rights based on a range of different situations.

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1. What are my rights if my flight is delayed?

EU Regulation 261/2004 states that as an Irish resident, you’re entitled to compensation from your airline for delays of three hours or more, if you’ve checked in for your flight. This regulation covers all flights originating in an EU country, as well as flights to the UK to and from an EU country, including Ireland. 

The amount of compensation you’re entitled to depends on the length of delay. 

‍For a delay of under three hours: you may be entitled to a food and drink voucher.

‍For a delay of three to five hours: you may be entitled to between €250 and €600 depending on the exact time delay and destination.

‍For a delay of five hours or more: you can opt for a refund on your ticket(s), or if you have already started your journey, a free compensatory return flight.

‍2.What are my rights if my flight is cancelled?

EU law states that you must be offered three options by your airline:

‍Option 1: A full refund for the part of the journey you were unable to complete.

‍Option 2: Ensure that you can reach your destination on the next available flight as well as covering the cost of any meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation depending on the flight’s distance and how long you have to wait for the next available flight.

‍Option 3: Book a trip for a later date and return home. The conditions of the journey (for example the class of your seats) must match.

3. How do I claim the compensation I’m entitled to?

Contact your airline directly. In most cases, they’ll have a standardised claim form to fill out on their website. If in any doubt, try to reach them by phone, but given the cost of some phone calls, this should be plan b.

If the airline challenges your claim, contact the Irish Aviation Authority or the European Consumer Centre. You also reserve the right to bring the case to court. We advise that you claim compensation as soon as possible after your delayed or cancelled flight, but European law states that you can claim up to six years after the event.

4. What about events out of the airlines’ control?

Widespread disruption caused by events such as the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull Icelandic volcano eruption are thankfully rare, but can’t be ruled out. Strike action and other extreme weather events do crop up from time to time too.

Whilst you can far from guarantee compensation from your airline, Just Cover’s Annual Multi-Trip travel insurance has you covered in eventualities such as these. Find out more here.