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Compensation and reimbursement for delayed or cancelled ITA Airways flights

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You waited for hours at the airport, staring at the departures board hoping your ITA Airways flight number would stop flashing. Or maybe you received a last-minute SMS: flight cancelled.

Plans disrupted, missed connections, unexpected hotel nights. A delay or cancellation is not just an inconvenience: it means stress, wasted money, and important moments you can't get back.

What many people don't know, however, is that European law gives you the right to compensation of up to €600. And ReFly is here to help you claim it, without paying anything upfront.

We know your rights

  • Our lawyers will secure your compensation
  • It's free! We cover all the costs
  • 98% success rate
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When are you entitled to compensation for an ITA Airways flight?

You are entitled to compensation in the following cases:

  • Length of the delay: Your ITA Airways flight arrived at its destination with a delay of at least 3 hours.
  • Cause of the delay: The delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as:
    • Adverse weather conditions.
    • Strikes by airport staff or air traffic control.
    • Health emergencies or security issues.
  • Flight route: The regulation applies to flights:
    • Departing from an airport within the European Union.
    • Operated by ITA Airways, an airline registered in the EU.

How to claim compensation for an ITA Airways flight delay

Here are the main steps to request compensation:

  • Gather the required documentation: Keep your boarding pass or e-ticket. Collect evidence of the delay, such as official communications from ITA Airways, SMS or email notifications, or photos of airport departure screens.
  • Check the cause of the delay: Verify whether the delay was caused by factors under the airline's control. In cases of extraordinary circumstances, ITA Airways is not required to provide compensation.
  • Complete the complaint form on the ITA Airways website: Go to the claims section on the official ITA Airways website. Fill in the form with all the required information and attach the necessary documents.

Does bureaucracy stress you out? Let ReFly handle it

If you prefer to avoid complications, you can rely on ReFly.org to manage the entire process for you. Here's what ReFly offers:

  • Free case assessment: we quickly check whether you are entitled to compensation.
  • Full claim management: we handle all communications with ITA Airways, so you don't have to deal with long waiting times or unclear responses.
  • No upfront costs: you only pay if we successfully obtain compensation for you.
  • Proven expertise: our team of specialists has in-depth knowledge of passenger rights and regulations, ensuring you receive the best possible support.
With ReFly, you can turn a frustrating travel experience into a positive outcome, without worrying about complicated procedures.

How much is the compensation?

ReFly Refund of airfare for flight delay
€250

The €250 compensation for a canceled flight specifically applies to flights under 1,500 km.

ReFly Refund of airfare for flight delay
€400

The €400 compensation for a canceled flight applies to flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km.

ReFly Refund of airfare for flight delay
€600

The €600 compensation for a canceled flight applies to flights over 3,500 km.

Can ITA Airways reject my compensation claim?

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for airlines to reject compensation claims.

However, it is important to know that ITA Airways can legally refuse your claim only in specific extraordinary situations.

These situations are defined as extraordinary circumstances.

Here are some examples of extraordinary circumstances that may exempt the airline from paying compensation:

  • Adverse weather conditions, such as dense fog, severe thunderstorms, or heavy snowfall.
  • Strikes involving airport staff or air traffic control personnel.
  • Important note: an internal strike by ITA Airways staff is not considered an extraordinary circumstance and does not exempt the airline from its obligation to provide compensation.
  • Political circumstances, such as terrorist attacks or security risks linked to political unrest.
  • Natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions or earthquakes.
  • Collisions with birds or foreign objects.
  • Disruptive passenger behaviour, for example medical emergencies or incidents of misconduct on board.
  • Problems related to airport operations, such as delays caused by exceptionally long security check queues.

However, it is essential to be aware that airlines sometimes use extraordinary circumstances as a justification to reject claims that are actually fully valid.

If you want to maximise your chances of receiving the compensation you are entitled to, rely on ReFly.

Our team carefully analyses aviation data, such as weather reports and flight information, and works with our legal department to defend your passenger rights.

In addition, thanks to our "No Win, No Fee" policy, you only pay if we successfully obtain compensation for you. Claim your compensation with ReFly today!

ITA Airways ticket refund: when can you request it?

A refund refers to the reimbursement of the ticket cost when a delay or cancellation makes the flight impossible or pointless to use. This right applies in specific situations and must be handled directly with ITA Airways.

Please note: ReFly deals exclusively with financial compensation under EU Regulation EC 261/2004. For ticket refunds, you must contact ITA Airways directly.

When are you entitled to an ITA Airways ticket refund?

You are entitled to a ticket refund if:

  • The delay is so significant that the trip becomes pointless (for example, if the flight arrives too late for you to attend an important event).
  • You decide not to travel because of the delay and request ticket cancellation.
  • Your flight is cancelled and you do not accept the alternative flight offered by ITA Airways.

What to do during an ITA Airways flight delay?

In the event of a significant delay, ITA Airways is required to provide passenger assistance under EU Regulation EC 261/2004.

  • This includes:
  • Meals and refreshments proportionate to the waiting time.
  • Hotel accommodation (if the delay requires an overnight stay).
  • Transport to and from the airport.
  • Two telephone calls, telex or fax messages, or emails.

ITA Airways flight delay compensation: delay categories

Compensation for an ITA Airways flight delayed by 1 hourCompensation for an ITA Airways flight delayed by 1 hour

A 1-hour delay does not entitle you to compensation, as it does not meet the criteria established under EU Regulation EC 261/2004. However, it is important to monitor the situation, as a longer delay could affect your eligibility for compensation.

Compensation for an ITA Airways flight delayed by 2 hoursCompensation for an ITA Airways flight delayed by 2 hours

Even with a 2-hour delay, you are not entitled to financial compensation. However, ITA Airways is required to provide free assistance for flights over 1,500 km.

Compensation for an ITA Airways flight delayed by 3 hoursCompensation for an ITA Airways flight delayed by 3 hours

If your ITA Airways flight delay reaches or exceeds 3 hours, you are entitled to compensation of up to €250 or €400, depending on the flight distance:

  • €250 for flights up to 1,500 km.
  • €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km.

Compensation applies only if the delay was caused by ITA Airways (for example technical or operational issues) and not by extraordinary circumstances. Keep all flight documentation in order to submit your claim.

Compensation for an ITA Airways flight delayed by more than 4 hoursCompensation for an ITA Airways flight delayed by more than 4 hours

With a delay of more than 4 hours, you are entitled to financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance:

  • €250 for flights up to 1,500 km.
  • €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km.
  • €600 for flights over 3,500 km.

Compensation is guaranteed only if the delay is attributable to ITA Airways and not to extraordinary circumstances. In addition, for delays of this length, the airline must provide full assistance, including meals, drinks, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation.

It only takes 2 minutes

How can I get my compensation?

Here's how to do it in 3 simple steps:

1

Send the claim request

It only takes 1 minute to discover the amount of your compensation.

2

We work for your rights

Our legal team will collaborate with the airlines and authorities regarding your case.

3

Receive your compensation

As soon as we win the lawsuit, you will receive the money in your bank account.

Compensation for cancelled ITA Airways flights

If your ITA Airways flight is cancelled, you are entitled to the same compensation amounts provided for delays, provided that:

  • The cancellation was not caused by extraordinary circumstances.
  • You were not informed at least 14 days in advance.
  • If you receive notice between 7 and 14 days before departure, the compensation is reduced by 50% if you are offered an alternative flight with similar timings.
Flight distance Compensation
Up to 1,500 km €250
From 1,500 to 3,500 km €400
Over 3,500 km €600

ITA Airways: delay numbers and statistics

ITA Airways is Italy's national airline, founded in 2021 as the successor to Alitalia and now partially owned by the Lufthansa Group (41%). It operates more than 74 destinations across Italy, Europe, and worldwide, with its main hub at Rome Fiumicino Airport and a focus city at Milan Linate Airport.

Despite improvements in punctuality recorded during 2025–2026, data shows that flight disruptions remain a concrete reality for many passengers:

  • In 2023, ITA Airways recorded 33,307 delayed flights, equal to 26.81% of all operated flights, ranking 9th in Europe for number of delays.
  • In 2024, ITA Airways ranked among the top 5 Italian airlines for disruptions: 51.11% of cases involved delayed flights, while 35.56% involved cancellations.
  • In 2025, ITA Airways became the third airline in Italy for number of complaints, accounting for more than 6% of the national total.

These figures highlight the importance of knowing your passenger rights. If your ITA Airways flight was delayed by more than 3 hours or was cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600.

Do not let a flight disruption ruin your travel plans: assert your rights and get the compensation you deserve with ReFly.

Frequently asked questions about ITA Airways compensation for delayed or cancelled flights

Yes. If your ITA Airways flight arrived at its destination with a delay of at least 3 hours and the delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances, you are entitled to compensation from €250 to €600 under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, depending on the flight distance.

Yes. A strike involving ITA Airways staff is not considered an extraordinary circumstance under European regulations. If your flight was cancelled or delayed because of an internal airline staff strike, you are still entitled to compensation.

Reimbursement is the refund of the ticket price, which you can request directly from ITA Airways. Compensation, on the other hand, is an additional financial payment from €250 to €600 provided under EU Regulation EC 261/2004. ReFly deals exclusively with compensation claims.

No, you are not obliged to accept it. You have the right to request a cash refund for your ticket within seven days. You should only accept a voucher if you choose to do so freely and knowingly. Compensation is a separate right and cannot be replaced by a voucher without your consent.

In Italy, the limitation period for claiming compensation is two years from the date of the flight. It is recommended to act as soon as possible while keeping all documentation: boarding pass, booking confirmation, communications received from ITA Airways, and receipts for any expenses incurred.

ReFly works on a No Win, No Fee basis: you pay nothing upfront and nothing if we do not obtain your compensation. The fee is deducted only in the event of a successful claim, directly from the compensation amount recovered.

If you haven't found the answers you were looking for, contact us!

  • Our lawyers will secure your compensation
  • It's free! We cover all the costs
  • 98% success rate
Check the compensation Contattaci per il rimborso
Check your compensation through ReFly
ReFly. Compensation of up to €600 for a canceled flight

ReFly operates in compliance with regulations
relating to passenger rights

Few air travellers are aware of their rights, and many do not have the legal expertise needed to claim compensation in the event of a cancelled flight. Even when they are informed, the process of obtaining compensation from airlines can be complex.