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Rights in case of air travel disruption

If you have an issue with your flight covered by Icelandic law, you may be entitled to a refund, compensation or other services. Contact the airline if you believe you are entitled to compensation or a refund.

It is possible that you have the right to compensation under the laws and regulations that apply in other countries if not covered by Icelandic law.

Type of disruption and compensation

If the conditions for route and airline are met, the right to compensation depends on the type of disruption and their reasoning.

Airlines are obliged to inform passengers of their rights.

Rights may arise upon:

If you have already complained to the airline and disagree with the conclusion, you can refer the complaint to the Icelandic Transportation Authority.

Rights do not apply

If you are responsible for the cancellation or delay of the flight, you are not entitled to compensation or refund.

If the delay or cancellation was due to uncontrollable external circumstances beyond the control of the airline, your right to compensation may be revoked. Force majeure can include war, terrorism, storms, strikes or unforeseen security problems.

Force majeure

If you are trying to find out if force majeure applies, it is a good idea to look at the following questions:

  • Was it the airline's fault?

    For example, if there was a shortage of staff, you may be entitled to compensation. But if the airport at the destination was closed, you are not entitled to compensation.

  • Was the disturbance predictable?

    For example, if there was a mechanical failure, you are likely to be entitled to compensation provided that the failure occurred before the flight and not during the flight itself.

  • Did this happen to other airlines as well?

    Such circumstances are in most cases brought on by force majeure.

Compensation amounts

The compensation is based on the length of the flight as well as the departure and arrival times of the new flights offered to you.

In general, the following applies:

  • For short flights, less than 1500 km.
    125 to 250 euros.

  • For medium-haul flights, more than 1500 and less than 3500 km., within the EEA
    200 to 400 euros.

  • For long-haul flights, longer than 3500 km.
    300 to 600 euros.

View judgments and rulings that have been passed in matters related to passenger rights (in Icelandic).