When are you entitled to compensation for a delayed Ryanair flight?

You may be entitled to compensation if your Ryanair flight arrived at least 3 hours late, the delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances (such as severe weather or airport staff strikes), and the flight falls under EU regulations.

What are the extraordinary circumstances that exempt Ryanair from compensation?

Extraordinary circumstances include severe weather conditions, strikes by airport staff, medical emergencies, security issues, natural disasters, and bird strikes. However, airline staff strikes are not considered extraordinary circumstances.

How can I claim compensation for a delayed Ryanair flight?

You can claim compensation by gathering the necessary documents (ticket, boarding pass, proof of delay) and submitting the claim form on Ryanair’s official website. Alternatively, you can rely on Refly to handle the entire process for you.

How much compensation can I get for a delayed Ryanair flight?

The compensation amount depends on the flight distance: £220 for flights up to 1,500 km, £350 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and £520 for flights over 3,500 km if the delay exceeds 4 hours.

When are you entitled to a refund for a delayed Ryanair flight?

You are entitled to a refund if the delay makes your trip pointless (e.g., if you arrive too late to attend an important event) or if you choose not to travel due to the delay and request ticket cancellation.

What to do if your Ryanair flight is delayed?

During a significant delay, Ryanair is required to provide assistance to passengers, including meals and drinks proportionate to the waiting time, hotel accommodation (if necessary), and transportation to and from the airport.

Can Ryanair reject my compensation claim?

Yes, Ryanair can reject a compensation claim only in the case of extraordinary circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, or security issues. However, it is important to carefully verify the reasons for the rejection, as some airlines might refuse valid claims.

Flight delay compensation and refund for Ryanair

When are you entitled to compensation?

You are entitled to compensation in the following cases:

Delay Duration: The flight was delayed by at least 3 hours upon arrival.
Reason for the delay: The delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as:
- Adverse weather conditions.
- Airport staff strikes.
- Health emergencies or security issues.
Flight Issue: The regulation applies to flights:
- Departing from an EU airport.
- Operated by a company registered in the EU, like Ryanair.

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How to request compensation for flight delay Ryanair

Here are the main steps to claim compensation:

Gather the necessary documentation
Keep your boarding pass or e-ticket.
Collect evidence of the delay, such as official communications from Ryanair or photos of airport screens.
Verify the circumstances of the delay
Check if the delay was caused by factors under the airline's control. In the case of extraordinary circumstances, Ryanair is not required to compensate.
Fill out the claim form on the Ryanair website.
Access the complaints section on the official Ryanair website.
Fill out the form by providing all the required information and attach the necessary documents.

Tired of the bureaucracy? Let Refly handle it for you.

If you prefer to avoid complications, you can rely on Refly.org to handle the entire process for you. Here’s what Refly offers:

Free case evaluation: we quickly check if you’re entitled to compensation.
Full claim handling: We take care of all communication with Ryanair, so you don’t have to deal with long waits or unclear responses.
No upfront costs: you only pay if we win your compensation.
Experienced team: our team of experts has in-depth knowledge of passenger rights and regulations, ensuring you receive the best possible support.

With Refly, you can turn a bad flight experience into a positive outcome—without the hassle of paperwork.

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How can I get my compensation?

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

Send the claim request

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

We work for your rights

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

Receive your compensation

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

Check the compensation

How much is the compensation?

£220

The compensation of £220 for a delayed Ryanair flight applies specifically to flights of less than 1500 km.

£350

The compensation of £350 for a delayed Ryanair flight applies to flights between 1500 km and 3500 km.

£520

The compensation of £520 for a delayed Ryanair flight applies to flights over 3500 km.

Can Ryanair reject my refund or compensation claim?

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for reimbursement or compensation claims to be rejected by airlines.

It is important to know, however, that only in certain extraordinary situations can Ryanair legitimately refuse your request.

These situations are defined as exceptional circumstances.

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

Adverse weather conditions, such as dense fog, heavy storms, or intense rainfall.
Strikes involving airport staff or air traffic control personnel.
Important note: An internal strike within the airline, such as one by Ryanair staff, is not considered an exceptional circumstance.
Political circumstances, such as terrorist attacks or security risks related to political unrest.
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes or volcanic eruptions.
Collisions with birds or foreign objects.
Problematic behavior of a passenger, such as in cases of illness or episodes of indiscipline on board.
Airport staff-related issues, such as delays caused by exceptionally long security lines.

However, it is important to be aware that airlines sometimes use extraordinary circumstances as an excuse to reject even fully valid claims.

If you want to maximize your chances of getting the compensation you deserve, trust Refly.

Our team will carefully analyze aviation data, such as weather reports and flight information, and consult our legal department to defend your rights.

Plus, with our "No Win, No Fee" policy, you only pay if we succeed. Claim your compensation today with Refly!

Ryanair Flight Delay Compensation: When Can You Claim It?

A refund refers to the reimbursement of the ticket cost when a delay makes it impossible to take the flight. This right applies in specific situations.

When are you entitled to compensation for a Ryanair flight delay?

You are entitled to a refund if:

The delay is so significant that it makes the trip pointless (for example, if the flight arrives too late to attend an important event).
You decided not to board due to the delay and requested the cancellation of your ticket.

What to do during a Ryanair flight delay?

In the event of a significant delay, Ryanair is required to provide assistance to passengers.

This includes:

Meals and drinks proportional to the waiting time.
Hotel accommodation (if necessary).
Transportation to and from the airport.

Ryanair Flight Compensation for Delays

Compensation for a Ryanair flight delayed by 1 hour

If your Ryanair flight was delayed by just one hour, you're not entitled to a monetary refund of your ticket. However, Ryanair may offer basic assistance, such as delay updates or help with rebooking options.

It’s important to monitor your flight status in real time and check if the delay extends, as your rights may change accordingly.

Compensation for Ryanair flight delayed by 2 hours

For a 2-hour delay, Ryanair doesn’t offer a ticket refund, but you may be entitled to free assistance, such as:

Drinks and snacks, depending on the length of the wait.
Two phone calls or access to email.
These services are guaranteed under European law (Regulation EC 261/2004), but only for flights over 1,500 km. If the delay gets longer, you may be entitled to additional protections.

Compensation for Ryanair flight delayed by 3 hours

With a delay of 3 hours, Ryanair is not required to refund your ticket — unless you choose not to travel.

In this case, you can request a full refund for the unused flight ticket.

If you choose to wait, Ryanair is required to continue providing assistance, such as meals and drinks, based on the length of the delay.

Keep an eye on the delay — if it exceeds 3 hours, you may be entitled to compensation under certain conditions.

Compensation for Ryanair flight delayed by over 4 hours

If your Ryanair flight is delayed by more than 4 hours, you’re entitled to:

Full ticket refund if you decide not to travel.
Rebooking on an alternative route at no extra cost.

Additionally, Ryanair is required to provide you with meals, drinks, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation with transport included.

Carefully check your rights and keep all receipts for any expenses incurred.

Ryanair Flight Delay Compensation

1-Hour Delay – Compensation for Delayed Ryanair Flight

A 1-hour delay does not qualify for compensation, as it doesn’t meet the criteria set by EU Regulation 261/2004.

However, it’s important to keep monitoring the situation, as a longer delay could affect your eligibility for compensation.

Compensation for Ryanair flight delayed by 2 hours

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

Compensation for a Ryanair flight delayed by 3 hours

If your Ryanair flight is delayed by 3 hours or more, you may be 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 is only valid if the delay was caused by Ryanair (such as technical or operational issues) and not by extraordinary circumstances. Keep all your flight documents to support your claim.

Compensation for Ryanair flight delayed by over 4 hours

If your flight is delayed by more than 4 hours, you’re 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 only guaranteed if the delay was caused by Ryanair and not due to extraordinary circumstances.

In cases of such long delays, the airline is also required to provide full assistance, including meals, drinks, and hotel accommodation if necessary.

Ryanair: Numbers and Statistics on Delays

Ryanair operates an impressive number of flights each year, but delays are not uncommon.

In 2023, the company recorded:

164,030 flights delayed, accounting for 19.12% of the total, placing second for the highest number of delays.
4,033 flights canceled, with a cancellation rate of 0.47%, placing it in 5th position for the number of cancellations.

These numbers highlight the importance of knowing your rights as a passenger.

Airline delays can be frustrating, but knowing your rights allows you to turn an inconvenience into an opportunity to claim compensation or a refund.

If your Ryanair flight has been delayed by more than 3 hours, follow the steps outlined to claim compensation or a refund, or rely on Refly, the specialized service designed to simplify the process.

Don't let a delay ruin your travel plans: assert your rights and get what you deserve!

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related to passenger rights

Only a few air travelers are aware of their rights, and many of them lack the legal understanding necessary to claim compensation for flight delays. Even if they are aware of their rights, the process of requesting compensation from airlines can be challenging.