Ryanair delay & cancellation compensation: how to claim

Which Ryanair flights are covered?

Ryanair (Ryanair DAC) is licensed in Ireland, so it's an EU airline. EU rules (EU261) cover its flights departing from the EU AND its flights arriving in the EU from elsewhere. UK rules (UK261) also cover its flights departing from or arriving in the UK.

Ryanair flies under more than one airline licence, and what matters is the one that operated your flight (check your booking for "operated by"): Ryanair (Ryanair DAC) (Ireland), Ryanair UK (UK), Malta Air (Ryanair group) (Malta), Buzz (Ryanair group) (Poland), Lauda Europe (Ryanair group) (Malta).

How much you could claim

You need to reach your final destination 3 hours or more late, or have your flight cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, or be refused boarding against your will, and the cause mustn't be genuinely extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or air traffic control restrictions.

• Up to 1,500 km: €250 (EU rules) / £220 (UK rules) per passenger
• 1,500–3,500 km: €400 / £350
• Over 3,500 km: €600 / £520 (half if you arrived 3–4 hours late)

If Ryanair refuses or doesn't reply

• UK flights: Ryanair is listed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority as a member of AviationADR, a free independent dispute scheme. You can use it after the airline's final response, or 8 weeks after complaining.
• EU flights: complain to the national enforcement body of the country the flight departed from (for flights from Ireland: Irish Aviation Authority).
• Last resort: small claims court in the country of departure or arrival.