Templates kept up to date with current regulations Secure payment Email support
My order
Calculator Free, no sign-up Data as of 19 October 2026

Flight Delay & Cancellation Compensation Calculator for Ireland

Calculates your legal right to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 for delayed or cancelled flights departing from or arriving in Ireland.

Your details

Select the airport where your flight was scheduled to depart from.

Select the airport where your flight was scheduled to arrive.

Select the airline that operated (or was due to operate) your flight. This determines if the regulation applies to flights arriving in the EU from outside.

The total delay when you arrived at your final destination, in hours. For cancellations, use the delay of your replacement flight.

The reason given by the airline for the disruption. 'Extraordinary circumstances' (e.g., extreme weather, strikes) usually exempt the airline from paying compensation.

The approximate distance of your flight in kilometres. You can find this on flight tracking websites or your booking confirmation. If unsure, use 1500 km for short EU flights or 3500 km for longer trips.

Result

Compensation Amount You Can Claim €250.00

This is the amount you are entitled to claim from the airline under EU Regulation 261/2004.

How it is calculated

Flight Covered by EU Regulation 261/2004 The regulation applies to all flights departing from an EU airport, and to flights arriving in the EU if operated by an EU airline.
Yes
Eligible for Compensation You are eligible if your flight is covered, you arrived at least 3 hours late, and the delay/cancellation was due to an airline operational issue.
Yes
Applicable Compensation Tier The base compensation amount based on flight distance.
€250.00
Keep in mind
  • This calculator provides an estimate based on EU Regulation 261/2004. The final decision rests with the airline and, if disputed, the relevant national enforcement body.
  • Airlines are not obliged to pay compensation if they can prove the disruption was caused by 'extraordinary circumstances' which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.
  • You have the right to care (refreshments, accommodation) during long delays, regardless of the cause.
  • Claims must generally be made within 2 years of the date of the disrupted flight, but airlines may have their own shorter deadlines.

Indicative result, calculated from the details and the rules listed below. It does not replace an official calculation or advice from a professional.

Prepare the document now

With the result already worked out, you can fill in the document right away.

The editor opens with the calculator details already entered.

Letter Requesting Refund for a Cancelled or Delayed Flight

Your Rights to Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation in Ireland

If your flight from or to an Irish airport is delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to financial compensation under European Union law. Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 establishes clear rights for air passengers, including fixed compensation amounts for significant disruptions caused by the airline.

How is Compensation Calculated?

The amount you can claim depends on two key factors: the distance of your flight and the length of your delay at your final destination. The rules are straightforward:

  • Flights of 1,500 km or less: You are entitled to €250 if you arrive at your destination 3 hours or more late.
  • Flights within the EU over 1,500 km, and all other flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km: The compensation is €400 for delays of 3 hours or more.
  • Flights over 3,500 km not within the EU: The compensation rises to €600 for delays of 3 hours or more.

It is important to note that compensation is only payable if the disruption (delay or cancellation) was within the airline's control. This includes technical problems with the aircraft, crew scheduling issues, or overbooking. The airline is not required to pay compensation if the cause was an "extraordinary circumstance," such as extreme weather, political instability, air traffic control strikes, or security risks.

When Does the Regulation Apply?

The regulation applies in two main situations:

  1. All flights departing from an airport in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, regardless of the airline's nationality.
  2. Flights arriving in the EU from outside, but only if they are operated by an EU airline (e.g., Ryanair, Aer Lingus). Flights arriving in the EU on a non-EU airline (e.g., Delta, Emirates) are not covered.

A Worked Example

Imagine you are flying from Dublin Airport (an EU airport) to London Heathrow (an EU airport), a distance of approximately 450 km. Your flight is delayed due to a last-minute technical fault discovered by the airline. You eventually arrive at your destination 4 hours after your scheduled arrival time.

  1. The flight departs from an EU airport, so it is covered by the regulation.
  2. The delay at arrival (4 hours) exceeds the 3-hour minimum threshold.
  3. The reason (technical fault) is an airline operational issue, not an extraordinary circumstance.
  4. The flight distance is under 1,500 km, so the applicable compensation tier is €250.

In this case, you can formally claim €250 from the airline.

Frequent Scenarios for Irish Passengers

Passengers flying with major carriers like Ryanair and Aer Lingus often encounter these situations:

  • Short-haul EU delays: Common on busy routes to the UK and mainland Europe. A 3+ hour delay on these routes typically yields €250.
  • Cancelled long-haul flights: If your flight from Dublin to New York is cancelled and you are rebooked on a flight arriving 4 hours later, you could be eligible for €600, provided the cancellation was the airline's fault.
  • Connecting flights: The regulation protects your entire journey. The delay is calculated at your final destination. If a delay on your first leg from Cork to Amsterdam causes you to miss your connection to Bangkok, your total delay to Bangkok determines your compensation.

What to Do After Calculating Your Claim

If our calculator shows you are owed compensation, your next step is to formally contact the airline. We recommend using a Letter Requesting Refund for a Cancelled or Delayed Flight. This document helps you present your case professionally, including all necessary details like your flight information, the length of the delay, and the legal basis for your claim. Keeping a record of your booking confirmation and any communication with the airline is crucial. If the airline refuses your valid claim, you can escalate the matter to the Commission for Aviation Regulation in Ireland.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the airline have to pay compensation?

The regulation does not set a specific deadline for payment, but airlines must provide a substantive response to your claim within a reasonable time, often cited as 2-3 months. If they refuse, they must justify their decision.

Can I claim compensation for a flight that was cancelled 2 weeks ago?

Yes, you can. The time limit for making a claim under EU law is generally 2 years from the date of the disrupted flight. However, it's best to submit your claim as soon as possible.

What if the airline offers me a voucher instead of cash?

You have the right to choose between a cash refund (bank transfer) or a voucher if your flight is cancelled. For compensation due to delay, the payment must be in cash (or bank transfer), not just a travel voucher, unless you freely agree to accept a voucher.

Does the regulation apply to flights booked through a travel agent?

Yes, your rights are the same regardless of how you booked your ticket. Your contract is still with the operating airline, and they are responsible for fulfilling the obligations under Regulation 261/2004.

What should I do if my flight is delayed at the airport?

Immediately ask airline staff about your rights to care. For delays of 2+ hours (depending on distance), you are entitled to meals, refreshments, and two free phone calls/emails. For overnight delays, the airline must provide hotel accommodation and transport.

Is there a difference between delay and cancellation compensation?

The compensation amounts are the same. The key difference is the calculation of the delay: for cancellations, you look at the delay of the replacement flight you were offered. If you were offered a rerouting that arrived less than 2 hours (short-haul) or 4 hours (long-haul) later, no compensation is due.

VAT Calculator for Ireland

Calculate Irish VAT (Value-Added Tax) on a price. Instantly find the VAT amount and total price for any of the standard, reduced, or zero VAT rates.

Free, no sign-up Calculate →

Calculators →