Brit-loved holiday destination launches new flight compensation rules – with up to £500 refund if you’re delayed
PASSENGERS flying from Turkey will finally be able to get hundreds of pounds back in compensation if their flight is delayed.
The new rules apply to Turkish-based airlines like Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines and Sun Express.
Airlines operating in Turkey must now provide financial compensation when flights are disrupted because of technical or operational reasons.
Passengers on domestic routes that are delayed by more than three hours will be able to claim compensation worth €100 (£82).
Compensation for passengers flying internationally is a little higher.
Depending on the flight distance, holidaymakers will be able to claim either €250 (£207), €400 (£331) or €600 (£497).
Passengers on flight that are under 1,500km away will be able to claim the lowest level of compensation, while flights between 1,500km to 3,000km will be able to claim for the middle tier.
Any holidaymakers travelling to a destination that is more than 3,000km away will be able to claim for the highest compensation level.
Most Brits will be entitled to £331 because London and Istanbul are nearly 2,000km apart.
The new rules will see passenger rights more closely align with the European Union’s EU261 regulation.
While the European Union’s EU261 regulation ensured passengers flying on Turkish-based airlines from European airports were given compensation if their flight was delayed, it wasn’t applicable to flights from Turkey.
Now, these new rules will see Turkish-based airlines flying from Turkey forking out if flights are delayed for technical and operational reasons, e.g. something within the airline’s control.
It is hoped that the new passenger rules will help to improve flight punctuality, passenger experience, and airline accountability.
The news is a welcome boost for Brits who often board connecting flights to Asia and the Middle East from airports in Turkey.
In 2024, just one per cent of flights in Turkey were delayed by more than three hours.
This figure was even smaller for Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines, with only 0.6 per cent and 0.8 per cent of flights disrupted, respectively.
Passengers who are caught up in delays can either make their claim directly to the airline or seek compensation under EU261 (if they’re flying with a European-based airline).
Ivaylo Danailov, co-founder of airline compensation specialists SkyRefund said: “Previously, the EU261 regulation only applied to Turkey-based airlines for flights departing from EU airports, meaning that passengers could only claim compensation for significant disruptions when leaving the EU, but not when returning from Turkey.
“The updated regulations now ensure that flights departing from Turkey with Turkish airlines are also covered.
“Turkish air passenger regulations previously provided compensation in cases of cancellation or denied boarding. Under the new rules, airline passengers are also entitled to compensation in cases of flight delays. In that sense, the Turkish regulation now more closely mirrors the European/UK one.”
Sun Travel have previously revealed the four times passengers won’t get compensation for a cancelled flight.
You can also get hundreds of pounds back if you miss your flight – even if it’s your own fault.
We’ve explained how, here.
Flight compensation rules
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of the “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Meanwhile, booking certain flights can help passengers avoid travel problems.
And this airline worker showed how to avoid cancellation problems.