Cancelled flight compensation has become one of the most important passenger rights topics in European aviation. Each year, thousands of flights are cancelled due to operational issues, staffing shortages, weather disruptions or air traffic control restrictions. While airlines often focus on rebooking passengers as quickly as possible, the legal right to cancelled flight compensation is frequently overlooked.

Under EU261 and UK261 regulations, passengers may be entitled to receive between €250 and €600 per person when a flight is cancelled under certain conditions. This financial compensation is separate from refunds, hotel stays or replacement flights. Understanding how cancelled flight compensation works can make a significant difference after a disrupted journey.

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The Legal Framework Behind Cancelled Flight Compensation

Cancelled flight compensation in Europe is regulated primarily under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, commonly known as EU261. Following Brexit, the United Kingdom adopted a nearly identical system called UK261.

These regulations apply when:

• The flight departs from an EU or UK airport, regardless of airline
• The flight arrives in the EU and is operated by an EU airline
• The flight arrives in the UK and is operated by a UK airline

The legislation was designed to balance the power between airlines and passengers, ensuring travelers are not left financially disadvantaged when cancellations occur within airline responsibility.

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Notification Period and Eligibility Rules

One of the most decisive factors in cancelled flight compensation claims is the timing of notification. Airlines are required to inform passengers in advance if a flight will not operate. If passengers are notified more than 14 days before departure, compensation is generally not payable.

Compensation may apply if:

• The cancellation was announced less than 14 days before departure
• The airline is responsible for the disruption
• The replacement flight results in significant arrival delay

The closer the cancellation is to the departure date, the stronger the compensation protection becomes.

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Compensation Amounts Based on Distance

Cancelled flight compensation is calculated based on the total flight distance, not the ticket price.

Flight Distance	Compensation Amount
Up to 1,500 km	€250
1,500 – 3,500 km	€400
Over 3,500 km	€600

Under UK261, similar amounts apply, but payments are made in British Pounds.

For long-haul international routes, cancelled flight compensation can therefore reach the maximum €600 per passenger, making it one of the most substantial consumer protections in travel law.

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Reduction of Compensation in Re-Routing Situations

Airlines can reduce cancelled flight compensation by 50% if they offer an alternative flight and the passenger arrives close to the original scheduled time.

The reduction thresholds depend on distance:

• Short-haul flights: arrival within 2 hours
• Medium-haul flights: arrival within 3 hours
• Long-haul flights: arrival within 4 hours

If arrival delay exceeds these limits, full cancelled flight compensation remains payable.

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Extraordinary Circumstances and Airline Defenses

Airlines are not required to pay cancelled flight compensation when the cancellation results from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.

Typical examples include:

• Severe weather conditions
• Air traffic control restrictions
• Political instability
• Security threats
• Airport closures

However, European court rulings have clarified that routine technical faults, crew scheduling problems, aircraft rotation issues or operational planning errors do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances.

Airlines must demonstrate that the event was unavoidable and that all reasonable measures were taken to prevent cancellation.

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Passenger Rights Beyond Financial Compensation

Cancelled flight compensation is only one part of passenger protection. Airlines must also provide immediate assistance after cancellation.

These rights include:

Right to Re-routing or Refund

Passengers may choose between:

• Full refund of the unused ticket
• Re-routing at the earliest opportunity
• Rebooking at a later date convenient to the passenger

Right to Care

While waiting for alternative travel, airlines must provide:

• Meals and refreshments
• Hotel accommodation when overnight stay is necessary
• Transportation between airport and hotel
• Communication access such as phone calls or emails

If the airline fails to provide care, passengers can claim reimbursement for reasonable expenses.

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Impact on Connecting Flights

When a cancelled flight affects a journey with connections booked under one reservation, compensation is calculated based on the final destination.

A cancellation on the first segment that causes a missed long-haul connection may result in cancelled flight compensation based on the total journey distance, not only the first leg.

Separate bookings, however, may limit legal protection.

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Post-Brexit Application of Cancelled Flight Compensation

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, UK261 maintains similar standards. Cancelled flight compensation applies to:

• Flights departing from UK airports
• Flights arriving in the UK operated by UK airlines

Although the structure remains largely identical, compensation amounts are expressed in Sterling rather than Euros.

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Claim Deadlines and Legal Time Limits

Passengers do not need to claim immediately at the airport, but legal deadlines apply.

In many EU countries, the limitation period ranges from three to six years after the flight date. In the UK, claims can typically be filed within six years.

Acting promptly improves the likelihood of successful recovery, especially while flight records and documentation remain accessible.

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Airline Claim Rejections and Dispute Trends

Airlines frequently reject cancelled flight compensation claims citing extraordinary circumstances. Weather conditions are one of the most common reasons provided. However, if similar flights operated normally during the same period, the claim may still be valid.

National enforcement bodies and European court decisions have consistently emphasized that airlines carry the burden of proof. Passengers are not required to independently demonstrate airline fault; rather, airlines must prove exemption conditions apply.

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The Financial Importance of Cancelled Flight Compensation

For families or group travelers, cancelled flight compensation can represent a significant sum. A family of four on a long-haul route could receive up to €2,400 if eligible.

Beyond the monetary value, the regulation also incentivizes airlines to maintain operational reliability and transparent communication.

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Cancelled flight compensation is a structured legal right designed to protect air passengers from sudden disruption. While airlines focus primarily on operational recovery, financial compensation remains an independent entitlement when cancellation occurs within airline control.

Understanding eligibility rules, extraordinary circumstances and compensation amounts ensures that passengers can respond confidently after a cancelled flight. In many cases, what appears to be a routine disruption may legally qualify for substantial cancelled flight compensation under EU and UK regulations.