The delays and cancellations you face often aren’t the airport’s fault. Instead, they’re controllable circumstances by your airline, and that’s where EC 261 comes in. If you’re flying in the EU – including through Madrid Airport – and face an issue, you could claim compensation up to €600. Here’s what you need to know.
What are Your Passengers Rights
Your rights depend on if you’re flying on an EU-based carrier. If you are, you’re covered under all circumstances. If you’re not, you’ll be covered only if you’re leaving from or landing to Frankfurt Airport, though you can always contact customer service to see what they can do for you. Under EC 261, you could receive up to €600.
Flight Delay Compensation
If your flight is delayed, take a deep breath. It’s going to be okay! There are fewer things worse than being trapped in the airport, but it will be okay. The airline will help you get to where you need to be, and once you get there, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
- Flights up to 1,500 km: €250
- Flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km: €400
- Flights over 3,500 km: €600
Most airlines cannot issue compensation at the airport, so you’ll need to contact customer service for assistance.
Flight Cancellation Compensation
If your flight is cancelled and you’re traveling through Frankfurt Airport, you should be covered under EU 261. If you’re at the airport, you should be entitled to care. Once you get to your final destination, contact customer service. They can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to under this powerful regulation.
- Flights up to 1,500 km: €250
- Flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km: €400
- Flights over 3,500 km: €600
You can’t claim your additional compensation at their airport unless you’re canceled due to overbooking.
Calculate your compensation
What to Do in Case of Delays or Cancellations?
If you face a delay or cancellation when you are at Frankfurt Airport, the great news is that you will be covered under EU 261. Here’s what you need to do.
Delays
- Take note of your delay, including when you were notified, the length of delay, and more. This will be important as the amount of compensation you receive is dependent on these factors.
- If your delay is two hours or more, connect with customer service to receive care, including meals, hotels, transportation, communication, and more.
- After you get to your final destination, claim your compensation. Provide all details to help make your case.
Cancellation
- If your flight was cancelled while traveling through Frankfurt Airport, write down when you were notified, why your flight was cancelled, the delay it caused, and more. Anything that will be helpful.
- Talk with customer service to get on a new flight. Don’t worry about EU 261 until you get to your final destination.
- Once the dust has settled, claim your compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you could get up to €600.
The regulations vary, but the sooner you file, the better to get the compensation you deserve.
Recently Disrupted Flights in Madrid Airport
| Date | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
|---|
About Madrid Airport
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport is commonly known as Madrid-Barajas Airport or just Madrid Airport. It’s located 9 km outside the city’s financial district within the city limits. The airport opened over 90 years ago and currently serves as a hub for Air Europa, Iberia, Iberia Express, Iberia Regional, Plus Ultra Lineas Aereas, Wamos Air, and World2Fly. Madrid Airport is also a focus city for Iberojet and Ryanair.
It’s Madrid’s busiest airport and the sixth busiest airport in Europe. It has five passenger terminals and four runways to serve millions of passengers each year. Madrid Airport is a key link between Europe and Latin America.
Madrid Airport Disruption Statistics
| Year | All Disrupted Flights | Cancelled Flights | Delayed Flights |
|---|
Conclusion
If you’re traveling through Europe, you can claim compensation under EC 261 if your flight is delayed or canceled and the airline was at fault. This includes when you’re traveling through Spain’s Madrid Airport. Gather your documentation and file directly with your airline to receive up to €600 in compensation. This page was updated on June 2023.