Do I have any rights as an air passenger with disabilities?
Under EU Regulation 1107/2006 and EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility have special protections — both for free assistance at airports and on board, and for compensation if flights are disrupted.
Who Is Protected Under EU Law?
The EU defines a “passenger with reduced mobility (PRM)” as someone whose mobility is reduced due to physical, sensory, cognitive, or age-related reasons, or any other cause of disability.
Protection applies regardless of ticket price, flight distance, or airline, as long as:
- The flight departs from an EU airport
- Or arrives at an EU airport with an EU-based airline
This includes passengers who temporarily have reduced mobility (e.g., injury).
What Assistance Are You Entitled To?
Under EU Regulation 1107/2006, airports and airlines must provide free assistance, including:
At the Airport:
- Help from the entrance or drop-off point to check-in
- Assistance through security and passport control
- Escort to the departure gate and boarding
- Help with baggage and mobility equipment
On Board:
- Priority boarding
- Assistance in finding your seat
- Help with stowing hand luggage
- Information in accessible formats
On Arrival:
- Assistance disembarking
- Escort through border checks
- Baggage and mobility aid retrieval
- Transfer to the next mode of transport
Airlines cannot refuse to carry you because of your disability, unless safety regulations make it impossible.
Rights in Case of Delays, Cancellations or Denied Boarding
If your flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, you have the same compensation rights under EU261 as other passengers, plus:
- Immediate care (meals, refreshments, communication)
- Accommodation and transport if stranded overnight
- Priority rebooking or refund
- Special assistance during disruption
If denied boarding due to disability, this may be unlawful discrimination and could lead to additional legal action.
Examples of situations that provide compensation
Airline operational issues
The airline had to cancel the flight because of a problem related to crew's illness or overtime, documents, cargo or fuel loading, etc
Airplane technical issues
It is the most frequent. Something is broken on the plane and needs to be repaired. Includes de-icing and accidents like bird or stairs strikes or blown tire.
Airplane rotation issues
The airline cancelled the flight due to previous delays or cancellations with that aircraft and was not able to replace it in due time.
Crew strike
Problems due to cabin crew or pilot strikes, that depend on the airline's management.
How much can you claim?
The amount of flight claim compensation you receive depends on the distance of your flight and can be €250, €400, or €600. You can also claim for care expenses with food, transport and accommodation as well as a refund of the alternative flight.
250€
Up to 1500 km
400€
From 1500 km to 3500 km
600€
More than 3500 km
How to claim Flight Disruption Compensation Step-by-Step
Claiming your flight cancellation disruption with AireClaim is quick and simple:
1. Complete your flight compensation form
- Enter your departure airport and final destination.
- Indicate if you had connecting flights.
2. Add your disruption details
- Select the type of disruption (delay, cancellation, missed connection).
- Enter the scheduled and actual arrival times.
3. Provide the reason for the disruption (if known)
4. Review and submit
- We’ll analyse your case, contact the airline, and handle all the paperwork at no upfront cost.
Our process covers all types of air travel disruptions from cancellations to flight delays and missed flights — ensuring you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
You can start your claim now using our secure online form:
FAQs About Flight Compensation
Yes, you can. We will check it and depending on the actual conditions your claim can be elegible.
Yes, you can, in case the delay was more that 3 hours.
Yes, your citizenship does not impact your rights as an air passenger.