Aer Lingus flight compensation: delayed or cancelled

Did you experience a disruption on your flight with Aer Lingus? Select the relevant section below to learn about your rights in the event of a delay, cancellation, denied boarding, or missed connection.

Aer Lingus counts as an EU/EEA airline, so these rules can apply both to flights departing the EU/EEA and to flights into the EU/EEA that Aer Lingus operates. The route and the actual operating carrier always decide a specific case.

Aer Lingus is an Irish airline. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) states that the Regulation applies to all passengers departing from airports within the EU and the EEA, and that for flights from third countries it applies only if the flight arrives at an airport within the EU (or Iceland, Norway or Switzerland) and is operated by a Community-licensed carrier, naming Aer Lingus as one of the examples. Aer Lingus itself says passengers may be eligible for compensation or expenses for denied boarding, a cancellation or a delay of more than three hours on arrival, for reasons within the airline's control. The route and the carrier actually operating the flight are always decisive in the individual case.

According to Aer Lingus's own website, the airline is part of International Airlines Group (IAG). The Aer Lingus website describes Aer Lingus Regional flights as operated by Emerald Airlines. Which company is responsible is determined by the air carrier actually operating the individual flight, not by the brand on the ticket.

Aer Lingus describes itself as Ireland's national airline, with its main hub at Dublin Airport and as part of International Airlines Group (IAG). Its own site says passengers may be eligible for compensation or expenses under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 for denied boarding, cancellation or a delay of more than three hours on arrival, for reasons within the airline's control, with claims made through separate online forms. For cancellations it says it will rebook subject to availability, and that the options include a voucher or a cash refund. Aer Lingus Regional flights are described as operated by Emerald Airlines. The Irish Aviation Authority advises raising the matter with the airline first and then turning to the enforcement body in the EU Member State the flight was due to depart from.