You're at the gate, boarding pass in hand, only to see those dreaded words flashing on the departure board: DELAYED. Understanding why delays happen — and what rights you have — is something every passenger should know.
The Main Causes
Air Traffic Control Restrictions: The majority of delays have nothing to do with the airline. ATC restrictions frequently cause ground delays and holding patterns.
Weather: Severe weather causes delays and cancellations and is considered outside the airline's control — affecting compensation claims.
Technical Issues: Any identified technical issue grounds the flight until resolved. These are within the airline's sphere of control and typically qualify for compensation.
Your Rights Under EU Regulation 261/2004
Under EC 261, passengers are entitled to compensation for delays of 3+ hours at arrival if the delay was within the airline's control. Amounts are €250 for flights under 1,500km, €400 for 1,500–3,500km, and €600 for flights over 3,500km.
How to Claim
Start by filing a claim directly with the airline. If they reject your valid claim, escalate to the relevant National Enforcement Body. No-win-no-fee services like AirHelp or ClaimCompass handle claims for a percentage of the compensation received.