Flight disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions are a common challenge faced by air travelers. Whether it’s heavy fog, thunderstorms, or snowstorms, weather can lead to Ryanair flight cancellations or significant delays, disrupting passengers’ plans. Although weather-related issues are often outside the airline’s control, passengers still have certain rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261). Understanding your rights, including when you’re eligible for compensation for a Ryanair flight cancelled due to weather, can help you navigate the frustration and inconvenience caused by these unavoidable disruptions.
Passenger Rights in Case of Ryanair Flight Delay or Cancellation Due to the Weather
When a Ryanair flight is cancelled or delayed due to weather, passengers are still entitled to specific rights under EU Regulation 261/2004. While weather-related disruptions are considered extraordinary circumstances, meaning compensation may not always apply, Ryanair must still provide certain levels of assistance.
If your Ryanair flight is delayed due to weather, the airline must offer basic care, including meals and refreshments if the delay exceeds two hours. Passengers are also entitled to two free communications (e.g., phone calls or emails). If the delay stretches into an overnight stay, Ryanair is responsible for providing accommodation and transportation between the airport and hotel.
For Ryanair flight cancellations due to weather, Ryanair must offer either a full refund or an alternative flight to your final destination. Although monetary compensation for weather-related cancellations is not guaranteed, passengers are still entitled to support throughout the delay or rebooking process, ensuring minimal disruption to their travel plans.
Most Common Weather-Related Issues When Flying
Weather disruptions are a major cause of flight delays and cancellations, often leaving passengers frustrated and inconvenienced. Airlines like Ryanair must adjust their schedules for safety when weather conditions pose a risk, leading to Ryanair flight cancellations due to weather. Understanding the typical weather-related challenges can help passengers anticipate potential disruptions.
Here are the most common weather-related issues affecting flights:
- Fog and low visibility: Thick fog can severely limit visibility, often causing flight delays or diversions.
- Thunderstorms: Storms with lightning and heavy rain can disrupt flights, leading to delays or cancellations.
- Snowfall: Accumulated snow on runways or aircraft can delay flights, as clearing runways or de-icing aircraft takes time.
- Strong winds: High winds can make takeoff and landing dangerous, frequently leading to flight disruptions.
- Cyclones and storms: Major storms like cyclones can cause widespread cancellations, disrupting entire flight schedules.
- De-icing issues: Freezing conditions may delay flights due to the time needed to de-ice aircraft before departure.
- Aircraft struck by lightning: Planes hit by lightning may require safety inspections, causing delays.
- Natural disasters: Events like hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, or earthquakes can severely disrupt flight operations globally.
These issues are among the leading causes of Ryanair flights being delayed due to weather or outright cancellations. Being aware of these potential problems can help you better understand your rights when dealing with such disruptions.
When Are You Entitled to Compensation?
While Ryanair flight cancellations due to weather are generally classified as extraordinary circumstances, meaning the airline is not obligated to compensate passengers, there are situations where compensation may still apply. If it can be demonstrated that Ryanair could have taken steps to avoid the disruption, such as using alternate flight routes or rescheduling flights more efficiently, passengers may be eligible for compensation.
Airlines sometimes claim “bad weather” as the cause for a flight cancellation to avoid paying compensation, even when other airlines are operating under similar conditions. If your Ryanair flight is cancelled due to weather but other flights continue as scheduled, this could indicate that the cancellation may not have been entirely unavoidable. However, it is often difficult for passengers to prove that the flight could have taken off, making it important to seek expert assistance when disputing such claims.
Ultimately, if the airline fails to prove that the weather conditions were severe enough to prevent the flight, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
Ryanair Compensation for Flight Delay or Cancellation Due to Weather
When a Ryanair flight is delayed or cancelled due to weather, passengers are generally not entitled to compensation, as weather is considered an extraordinary circumstance beyond the airline’s control. However, in cases where Ryanair could have taken steps to prevent the disruption, or if the airline incorrectly cites weather as the reason for a cancellation or delay, passengers may be eligible for compensation under Ryanair EU261 compensation.
If the disruption was not caused by weather but by factors within Ryanair’s control, such as operational or technical issues, you may be entitled to compensation. Compensation is calculated based on the flight distance and the length of the delay upon arrival at your final destination.
Here’s a breakdown of the compensation amounts based on the distance of your flight:
| Distance | Compensation |
| All flights 1,500 km or less | €250 |
| Internal EU flights over 1,500 km | €400 |
| Non-internal EU flights between 1,500 km – 3,500 km | €400 |
| Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km | €600 |
While flight cancellations due to weather may not automatically qualify for compensation, it’s important to review the circumstances to ensure your rights under EU261 are fully protected.
Which Ryanair Flights Are Covered by EU 261
EU Regulation 261/2004 provides protections for passengers on flights that experience delays, cancellations, or other disruptions. These protections apply to specific flights operated by Ryanair and other airlines, depending on the itinerary and whether the airline is based in the EU. Passengers flying with Ryanair, as an EU-based airline, benefit from these rights on a broad range of routes.
Here is an overview of which flights are covered by EU261, based on the itinerary and the carrier’s location:
| Itinerary | EU Air Carrier | Non-EU Air Carrier |
| From inside the EU to inside the EU | Covered | Covered |
| From inside the EU to outside the EU | Covered | Covered |
| From outside the EU to inside the EU | Covered | Not Covered |
| From outside the EU to outside the EU | Not Covered | Not Covered |
This table shows that Ryanair EU regulation 261/2004 covers flights within the EU, as well as those departing from or arriving in the EU. Passengers on flights that fall within these categories are eligible for compensation and other rights if their flight is disrupted due to reasons within Ryanair’s control.
How to Claim Compensation from Ryanair for Flight Delay or Cancellation Due to Bad Weather
If you’ve experienced a Ryanair flight delay or cancellation due to weather, it’s important to understand your rights under EU261 and how to claim compensation if eligible. While weather-related disruptions often fall under extraordinary circumstances and may not automatically qualify for compensation, it’s worth investigating whether the airline could have taken steps to prevent the issue.
To begin the process, follow these steps:
- Complete the Compensation Form: You can initiate your claim by filling out our simple online form, which requires your flight details such as the flight number, date, and the nature of the disruption. Our form ensures that all relevant information is captured accurately.
- Provide supporting documents: Make sure to include any boarding passes, email confirmations, or communications from Ryanair regarding the delay or cancellation. This will strengthen your claim and ensure a smooth process.
- Let us handle the rest: As a certified partner specializing in air passenger rights, we will take over the claim process, managing all communications with Ryanair on your behalf. Our expertise in EU261 compensation claims involving Ryanair increases your chances of receiving the compensation you’re entitled to, saving you time and frustration.
We focus on ensuring that passengers are treated fairly and compensated where appropriate under EU law for delayed flights or Ryanair flight cancellations due to weather. Our service simplifies the process, providing you with peace of mind that your case is being handled professionally and efficiently.
Other Rights Covered by Regulation EU261
In addition to monetary compensation for flight delays or cancellations, passengers are entitled to a range of additional protections under EU Regulation 261/2004. These rights ensure that passengers receive proper care during disruptions, even when compensation does not apply, such as in cases of Ryanair flight cancellations due to weather.
Right to Care
When a Ryanair flight is delayed or cancelled, regardless of whether the disruption qualifies for compensation, the airline is obligated to provide passengers with basic care if the delay exceeds two hours. This means that passengers are entitled to receive appropriate meals and refreshments based on the length of the delay. Additionally, the airline must offer free communication services, such as phone calls or emails, so passengers can inform others about the situation or make necessary arrangements. If the delay extends overnight, Ryanair must also provide hotel accommodation and transportation between the airport and the hotel. These rights ensure passengers are not left unsupported during long delays, even when the disruption, such as bad weather, is beyond the airline’s control.
Ticket Refund or Re-routing
If your Ryanair flight is delayed by more than five hours or cancelled, you have the right to choose between a full refund or re-routing to your final destination. Passengers can request a refund for the entire ticket price, including any unused portions of the journey. In addition, if the delay or cancellation renders your onward travel unnecessary, you can also opt for a return flight to your original point of departure at no extra cost. This option provides flexibility to passengers whose plans have been severely disrupted by long delays or cancellations, ensuring they are not left out of pocket for services they could not use.
Upgrading and Downgrading
In cases where Ryanair offers an alternative flight due to delays or cancellations, you may be entitled to a seat upgrade. If you are upgraded to a higher class of service, the airline cannot charge you any additional fees. However, if you are downgraded to a lower class than originally booked, EU261 entitles you to a reimbursement. The compensation for a downgrade typically ranges between 30% and 75% of the ticket price, depending on the flight distance. This ensures that passengers are fairly compensated if they do not receive the level of service they originally paid for.