Norwegian Airlines Compensation

Claim up to €600 for delayed, cancelled or overbooked Norwegian flights

About Norwegian Air Shuttle

Norwegian Air Shuttle (IATA: DY), trading as Norwegian, is Scandinavia's largest low-cost airline and the fourth largest budget carrier in Europe by passengers, behind Wizz Air, easyJet, and Ryanair. Founded in 1993 and headquartered at Fornebu, Norway, the airline operates from its primary hub at Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL) and maintains bases across Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands.

Norwegian is known for its distinctive white aircraft with a red nose and portraits of cultural icons on the tail fins. In January 2024, Norwegian completed the acquisition of Widerøe, Norway's largest regional carrier, making the Norwegian Group the dominant airline in Norway. The airline is actively replacing its Boeing 737-800 fleet with more fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with 80 firm orders and deliveries running through 2031. Norwegian's frequent flyer programme is Norwegian Reward.

Fleet and Key Facts

How EC 261/2004 Applies to Norwegian Flights

Although Norwegian is a Norwegian airline — not EU-based — EC 261/2004 still applies to its flights because Norway is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA). This means flights departing from Norwegian airports (Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, etc.) are covered in exactly the same way as flights from EU airports. Norwegian also operates an EU AOC subsidiary, Norwegian Air Sweden, for routes operated out of Sweden.

How Much Compensation Can You Claim?

Compensation is fixed by regulation and depends on flight distance — not ticket price or fare type.

For flights over 3,500 km, compensation may be reduced to €300 if the arrival delay is between 3 and 4 hours. The full €600 applies when the delay exceeds 4 hours. If Norwegian offered you rerouting and you arrived less than 4 hours late compared to your original schedule, the compensation may be reduced by 50%. Under UK261, the equivalent amounts are £220, £350, and £520.

When Are You Entitled to Compensation?

Flight delays

You are entitled to compensation if your Norwegian flight arrived at your final destination 3 or more hours late, the delay was caused by factors within Norwegian's control, and the flight was covered by EC 261. The clock starts when the aircraft doors open at your destination — not at departure. You must have checked in and been present at the airport; if you chose not to travel on a delayed flight, compensation may not apply.

Flight cancellations

You are entitled to compensation if Norwegian cancelled your flight and notified you fewer than 14 days before departure, and no comparable alternative was offered. Regardless of the reason, you always have the right to a full cash refund or rerouting — Norwegian cannot compel you to accept a voucher instead of a refund.

Denied boarding

If Norwegian denied you boarding against your will — typically due to overbooking — you are entitled to €250–€600 compensation, plus a full refund or rerouting, plus care at the airport. Voluntary seat surrenders are treated differently; once you agree to give up your seat, statutory EC 261 compensation no longer applies, but you may negotiate additional incentives at the time.

Norwegian staff strikes

Norwegian has experienced several rounds of pilot and cabin crew strike action over the years. Under European Court of Justice case law, strikes by an airline's own employees over internal wage and contract disputes are not considered extraordinary circumstances — Norwegian owes compensation when its own staff go on strike. This applies equally under EC 261/2004 and Norway's EEA implementation of the regulation.

Downgrading

If Norwegian moved you to a lower cabin class for operational reasons, you are entitled to a partial ticket refund under EC 261:

• Flights up to 1,500 km: 30% of the ticket price
• Flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km: 50% of the ticket price
• Flights over 3,500 km: 75% of the ticket price

Your Right to Care During a Delay

These care rights apply even during extraordinary circumstances. Keep all receipts — if Norwegian failed to provide these, you can claim reimbursement for reasonable expenses.

When Is Compensation Not Available?

Norwegian does not owe financial compensation when a disruption is caused by genuine extraordinary circumstances beyond its control:

• Severe weather (storms, heavy snow, dense fog)
• Air traffic control strikes or airspace restrictions
• Airport security incidents or closures
• Political unrest or natural disasters
• Medical emergencies on board
• Bird strikes or externally caused technical damage

How to Claim Norwegian Compensation

How Voos Can Help with Your Norwegian Claim

Norwegian offers an online claim form, but the process can be slow and bank payment delays are a recurring issue. Voos takes the process off your hands entirely.

If your Norwegian flight was delayed or cancelled, Voos can review your claim and, if eligible, pursue it with the airline on your behalf. Our service is risk-free – fees are only charged if your claim is successful. Depending on your specific case, compensation of up to €600 per person may be possible.

• Gather your flight number and booking details
• Keep your boarding pass or e-ticket
• Document communications with the airline
• Check your eligibility for compensation today

Frequently Asked Questions