Independent guide on EU261 claims against Ryanair — including what to do when Ryanair refuses to pay.
For a Ryanair flight departing from or arriving at a Dutch airport with an arrival delay of 3 hours or more, EU Regulation 261/2004 entitles you to €250 or €400 compensation per person. Ryanair is known for rejecting a higher-than-average share of first claims — but a first refusal is not the end. Many claims are honoured after escalation. You can submit a claim yourself for free, or have a specialist agency handle it. DelayPaid works exclusively on flights to or from Dutch airports.
Ryanair operates mostly short and medium-haul routes. The amounts that apply:
| Flight distance | Min. arrival delay | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | ≥ 3 hours | €250 per person |
| 1,500 – 3,500 km | ≥ 3 hours | €400 per person |
Yes. Although Ryanair is an Irish airline, EU Regulation 261/2004 applies to all flights departing from EU airports, regardless of the airline's nationality. Every Ryanair flight from Eindhoven or Schiphol is covered by EU261.
Extraordinary circumstances: Ryanair frequently claims delays were caused by extraordinary circumstances. This is a valid defence only if the airline can prove the circumstance was beyond its control and could not have been avoided. Technical defects inherent to normal operations are not extraordinary (Wallentin-Hermann ruling).
Voucher instead of cash: Ryanair sometimes offers a travel voucher. You have the right to insist on a bank transfer. You are never obliged to accept a voucher.
"File your claim on our website": You can do this, but be aware that Ryanair's online form may ask you to accept unfavourable terms. Read carefully before submitting.
The limitation period in the Netherlands is 2 years from the flight date (art. 8:1835 BW).
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