Ryanair flight cancellation compensation
Ryanair is Ireland's low-cost carrier and Europe's largest airline by passengers. If your Ryanair flight was cancelled with less than 14 days' notice and it departed the UK or the EU, you're likely entitled to £220–£520 under UK261 or €250–€600 under EU261, set by flight distance, unless the cause was an extraordinary circumstance outside the airline's control. Ryanair mainly flies from Dublin and London Stansted. (As of 2026-10-05.)
How much can you claim?
| Flight distance | UK261 | EU261 |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | £220 | €250 |
| 1,500–3,500 km | £350 | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km | £520 | €600 |
Fixed amounts by distance. For 3–4 hour delays on the longest band the amount can be halved. Amounts verified 2026-10-05 · sources: CAA, EU Reg 261/2004.
Does UK261 or EU261 apply to Ryanair?
As an EU (Irish) airline, Ryanair's flights from the EU are covered by EU261 and from the UK by UK261. Ryanair is known for firmly contesting claims it considers extraordinary circumstances, so keep the airline's stated reason.
Common questions about Ryanair compensation
Am I entitled to compensation for a cancelled Ryanair flight?
Yes, if your Ryanair flight was cancelled with less than 14 days' notice at your final destination, it departed the UK (UK261) or the EU (EU261), and the cause was within Ryanair's control. Ryanair is Ireland's low-cost carrier and Europe's largest airline by passengers, so this covers its typical routes from Dublin.
Does UK261 or EU261 apply to Ryanair?
As an EU (Irish) airline, Ryanair's flights from the EU are covered by EU261 and from the UK by UK261. Ryanair is known for firmly contesting claims it considers extraordinary circumstances, so keep the airline's stated reason.
How much compensation can I get for a cancelled Ryanair flight?
Under UK261: £220 up to 1,500 km, £350 for 1,500–3,500 km, £520 over 3,500 km. Under EU261: €250 / €400 / €600 for the same bands. For 3–4 hour delays on the longest band the amount can be halved. Verified 2026-10-05.
What if my Ryanair cancellation was caused by weather or a strike?
No compensation is due when the cause was an extraordinary circumstance outside Ryanair's control (extreme weather, air traffic control strikes, security risks). It remains due for causes within the airline's control such as routine technical faults or crew scheduling. Check Ryanair's stated reason first.
Which airports does Ryanair fly from?
Ryanair mainly flies from Dublin and London Stansted. Compensation depends on the flight's distance band and whether it departed the UK or EU, not on the specific airport.
How do I claim compensation from Ryanair?
You can claim from Ryanair for free: contact the airline in writing via its customer-service or flight-disruption page (https://www.ryanair.com), cite UK261/EU261 and your flight details, and if refused escalate to the CAA (UK) or the relevant national enforcement body (EU). A claim agency can do it for a success fee (typically 15–35%).
AmIOwed gives general information, not legal advice. Check Ryanair’s stated reason before claiming.
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Related
Also see Ryanair flight delay compensation, or the rules: UK261 and EU261.