Headquartered in Dubai, Emirates Airlines is the largest carrier in the Middle East. Emirates operates hundreds of flights to and from the EU each week, flying to both primary and secondary airports in 20 member states. With more than 58.6 million passengers annually, Emirates is a major global airline.
Approximately 85% of Emirates flights arrive on time, a relatively high percentage. However, with such a high volume of passengers, some will still experience Emirates delayed flights or cancellations. It’s important to be prepared and know your rights if this happens. If you’ve experienced a delay or cancellation, this guide will help you understand your options for Emirates flight compensation.
If your Emirates flight was delayed or cancelled, you must meet several criteria to be eligible for compensation. Ensure you check all of the following:
The last point is particularly important. Compensation under EU 261 is only required if the reason for your Emirates delay or cancellation was within the airline’s control. Mechanical issues, understaffing, or a lack of passengers are examples that are not considered 'extraordinary circumstances.'
Extraordinary circumstances, which do not qualify for compensation, include situations beyond the airline’s control, such as weather, airport closures, airspace restrictions, employee strikes, political unrest, or bird strikes. However, if Emirates claims extraordinary circumstances, it doesn’t always mean you’re ineligible. An investigation may reveal multiple reasons for the delay or cancellation, and the primary cause could still be within the airline’s control.
If you meet the criteria for eligibility, you can determine how much Emirates delay compensation you’re entitled to based on the length of your flight and the delay:
The delay is measured by the arrival time of the flight, not the departure time. Your flight must arrive at its destination more than 3 hours after its scheduled time. However, if the plane departs late but makes up time in the air and arrives on time, you won’t be eligible for compensation.
Courts have ruled that a plane has 'arrived' when at least one of its doors is opened. Keep track of the time when the doors open, especially if your flight is close to the 3-hour threshold.
For cancelled flights, compensation depends on whether the reason was within the airline’s control. If it was, the compensation you’re owed depends on the flight length:
| Flight Length | Amount Owed |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500km | €250 |
| 1,500km – 3,500km | €400 |
| More than 3,500km | €600 |
In addition to compensation, you’re entitled to a refund of your ticket price, regardless of the reason for the cancellation. Emirates may offer to re-route you on the next available flight, but you have the option to receive a refund instead if that doesn’t work for you.
These rules only apply if the airline cancels your flight with less than 14 days' notice. If you cancel your own flight, EU 261 won’t protect you. You may still be able to reschedule or get a refund, but you won’t be entitled to compensation.
If you were denied boarding, you may still be eligible for compensation, depending on the reason. If the airline denies you boarding due to intoxication, illness, or lack of proper documents, you’re not entitled to compensation under EU 261.
However, if the reason for denied boarding is overbooking – when the airline sells more tickets than there are seats – you may be eligible for compensation. Overbooking is generally the airline’s fault, and you can claim compensation if this is the case. A professional service like TravelRefund can help you assess your situation.
Regardless of the reason for your flight disruption, you’re entitled to assistance at the airport, including meals, refreshments, phone calls, and accommodation if you need to stay overnight. Be sure to save your receipts if Emirates does not provide vouchers, as you may be reimbursed for these expenses.
To claim Emirates flight compensation, it’s important to stay informed and organized. Here’s how to ensure your claim process goes smoothly:
Arrive at your gate early and monitor any updates or unusual activity. Staying alert helps ensure you’re first in line for rebooking if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
Be familiar with the compensation you’re entitled to under EU 261, including assistance at the airport and refund options. Assert your rights without being aggressive.
Keep all documentation, including your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any written reasons for your flight delay or cancellation. These documents are crucial for your claim.
At TravelRefund, our goal is to get you the compensation you’re owed. We have the legal expertise and industry experience to handle your Emirates claim. If needed, we can take your case to court, and you won’t owe us anything unless you win your case.
To get started, simply make a claim on our website, and we’ll get in touch as soon as possible. Let us handle communication with Emirates and work on your behalf to ensure a smooth process.
Contact us today to find out if you’re eligible and learn more about filing an Emirates flight compensation claim.