Flight delay compensation in the Netherlands

The short answer

The amount of your compensation depends on the flight distance and only applies to delays of 3 hours or more. For flights up to 1,500 kilometres you receive €250, for flights between 1,500-3,500 kilometres you get €400, and for flights longer than 3,500 kilometres outside the EU you're entitled to €600. EU flights longer than 3,500 kilometres entitle you to €400 compensation. These amounts are established in European legislation and apply regardless of ticket price.

What does Dutch law say?

Flight delay compensation is regulated under European Regulation 261/2004, also known as the EU Flight Compensation Regulation. This regulation applies to all flights departing from the EU, plus flights by EU airlines arriving in the EU. The compensation amounts are legally established and airlines are obliged to pay them, unless there are 'extraordinary circumstances'. The regulation protects millions of travellers per year in the Netherlands and across Europe from the consequences of delays.

What should you watch out for?

Note carefully that the delay must be at least 3 hours to be entitled to compensation - this is measured upon arrival at the destination. Always keep your boarding pass and other travel documents as proof. Airlines often try to reject claims by claiming there were 'extraordinary circumstances', but this doesn't always apply. Even if you bought a cheap ticket or the flight was free, you're still entitled to compensation under Dutch and EU law.

Example from practice

Suppose you fly from Amsterdam to Rome (1,350 km) and your flight is delayed 4 hours due to a technical problem with the aircraft. Because the distance is less than 1,500 km, you're entitled to €250 compensation per passenger. The airline must pay this compensation because a technical defect is not an 'extraordinary circumstance' - this falls under their responsibility. Additionally, you can claim any extra costs for meals and accommodation if the delay is extended.

What can you do?

Start by collecting all relevant documents and proof of the delay. Then file a claim with the airline stating the correct compensation amounts. If they refuse to pay, you can take legal action in the Netherlands.