Ryanair Cancelled Flight: Refund and Compensation Up to €600
Has Ryanair cancelled your flight? You may be entitled to a refund or rerouting and, in certain circumstances, compensation of up to €600 per passenger.
A cancelled flight does not automatically qualify for compensation. The date you were informed, the alternative flight offered and the reason for the cancellation must be assessed.
A Ryanair cancelled flight may entitle you to €250, €400 or €600
When Ryanair cancels a flight covered by European Regulation EC 261/2004, passengers may be entitled to fixed compensation in addition to their right to a refund or rerouting.
Compensation depends mainly on when Ryanair informed you of the cancellation, the replacement flight offered and the actual reason for the disruption.
If you were informed less than 14 days before departure, compensation may be payable if the other conditions are met.
Ryanair cancelled flight: refund or replacement flight?
Compensation is not your only right following a cancellation. Ryanair must also offer an appropriate solution for your journey.
Ticket refund
If you no longer wish to travel, you may request reimbursement of the affected part of your ticket according to the rules applicable to your journey.
Rerouting
You may choose transport to your final destination under comparable transport conditions at the earliest opportunity, subject to the applicable rules.
Travel at a later date
In certain circumstances, you may choose rerouting at a later date convenient to you, subject to seat availability.
A ticket refund and statutory compensation are separate rights. Receiving a refund therefore does not necessarily mean that you lose your right to compensation.
How much can you claim for a Ryanair cancelled flight?
When the eligibility conditions are met, compensation is generally based on the flight distance rather than the price paid for your ticket.
For eligible short-distance flights covered by passenger-rights legislation.
For certain medium-distance flights and some journeys within the European Union.
For certain eligible long-distance flights covered by the applicable rules.
In some cases where rerouting allows you to reach your destination within specified time limits, compensation may be reduced by 50%. The exact calculation therefore depends on the journey and the alternative travel arrangements offered.
When did Ryanair inform you that your flight was cancelled?
The date on which you were informed is one of the most important factors when determining whether compensation is due.
Fixed compensation is generally not payable if Ryanair can prove that you were informed more than 14 days before the scheduled departure.
Compensation may still be due depending on the departure and arrival times of the alternative flight offered by Ryanair.
The conditions allowing the airline to avoid compensation are stricter and depend on the timing of the proposed replacement flight.
When can a Ryanair cancelled flight qualify for compensation?
Flight covered by passenger-rights legislation
The journey must fall within the scope of EC 261/2004 or another applicable passenger-rights regime.
Late cancellation notice
Being informed less than 14 days before departure may result in compensation depending on the alternative flight offered.
No qualifying extraordinary circumstance
Ryanair may avoid paying compensation if it proves that the cancellation resulted from extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided even if reasonable measures had been taken.
Confirmed booking
You should have a valid confirmed booking for the affected flight and comply with the conditions applicable to your trip.
Why can Ryanair refuse compensation for a cancelled flight?
An airline may not have to pay fixed compensation if it proves that the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances outside its effective control.
Simply stating that the cancellation was caused by “extraordinary circumstances” does not automatically establish that compensation is not payable. The actual cause and the reasonable measures taken by the airline must be assessed.
Must Ryanair pay for meals, hotels or transport?
If a cancellation requires you to wait for rerouting, rights to care may apply in addition to your refund and possible compensation.
Meals and refreshments
Reasonable meals and refreshments may be required while you wait for your alternative transport.
Hotel accommodation
If an overnight stay becomes necessary, accommodation may have to be provided by the airline.
Transport
Reasonable transport between the airport and the accommodation may also form part of the airline’s duty of care.
Communications
Passengers may also be entitled to communication facilities while waiting following the cancellation.
If Ryanair does not provide the required assistance and you have to pay reasonable expenses yourself, keep all receipts and invoices.
What documents should you keep after a Ryanair cancellation?
A few key documents can make it much easier to establish the circumstances of the cancellation and determine what you may claim.
Keep your Ryanair reservation details and booking reference.
Keep the email, SMS or notification showing when Ryanair informed you of the cancellation.
Keep details of the alternative flight offered or purchased after the cancellation.
Keep evidence of meals, accommodation, transport and other necessary expenses.
How to claim after a Ryanair cancelled flight
Enter your flight details
Provide the Ryanair flight number, travel date and route.
Tell us about the cancellation
Indicate when you were informed and which alternative flight, if any, was offered.
Upload your documents
Provide documents confirming your booking and the circumstances of the disruption.
Track your claim
Fly Claim assists you with the claim process against the airline.
Fly Claim charges a 30% VAT-inclusive commission only if your claim is successful.
FAQ about Ryanair cancelled flights
How much compensation can I get for a Ryanair cancelled flight?
When the conditions are met, compensation may be €250, €400 or €600 per passenger depending on the flight distance. In some rerouting situations, compensation may be reduced by 50%.
Does Ryanair have to refund me if it cancels my flight?
Following a cancellation, passengers generally have rights relating to reimbursement or rerouting, depending on the circumstances and applicable rules.
Can I receive both a refund and compensation?
Yes. A refund and statutory compensation are separate rights. Depending on the circumstances, you may therefore receive a ticket refund while still being entitled to compensation.
What if Ryanair told me less than 14 days before departure?
Compensation may be payable if you were informed less than 14 days before departure. The alternative flight offered and the reason for cancellation must also be considered.
Can Ryanair refuse compensation because of bad weather?
Severe weather that makes flight operation unsafe may qualify as an extraordinary circumstance. Ryanair must nevertheless be able to demonstrate the cause of the cancellation and its effect on the flight.
What can I do if Ryanair rejects my compensation claim?
A rejection is not always the end of the claim. The reason given by the airline, the flight circumstances and available evidence can be reviewed to determine whether the claim should be pursued.
How much does Fly Claim charge?
There are no upfront fees. Fly Claim charges a 30% VAT-inclusive commission only when the claim is successful.
Passenger rights and European legislation
The information on this page is general. Compensation eligibility always depends on the individual circumstances of the affected flight.
Check whether you could claim up to €600
Enter your flight number, travel date and route to start checking your claim.
No upfront fees. 30% VAT-inclusive commission only if successful.