Chaos on Amsterdam Schiphol — can passengers claim flight compensation?
Friday, April 29, 2022
Following problems with crew shortages at KLM and the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the Dutch airline has cancelled dozens of flights in the coming days. Affected passengers can claim ticket refunds and flight compensation.
Since the KLM Schiphol strike on the 23rd of April, the Amsterdam airport and the airlines flying from there have struggled with serving passengers. This resulted in a chaos at Schiphol — passengers have been stuck in baggage drop-off and security queues for hours and some have even suddenly been informed that their flight is cancelled or significantly delayed.
“We see an enormous increase in claims as a result of the problems at Schiphol and at the airlines. In the past month, we have already been able to assist over 11,000 passengers,” said Tom van Bokhoven from Flight-Delayed.com in an interview for RTLZ, a Dutch TV channel.
Passengers can claim compensation and ticket refunds
As van Bokhoven explained, passengers affected by the chaos at Schiphol might be eligible for flight compensation. “The cancellation of a flight is not without consequences for the airline. Passengers are entitled to a refund of the ticket, but in some cases also to an additional flight compensation of up to €600.”
Similar compensation might be applicable if a flight was delayed by at least 3 hours.
These rights are protected by the EU261 regulation.
How much flight compensation can I get if my Schiphol flight was cancelled?
For flights shorter than 1,500 km, the compensation is £220.
For flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, the compensation is £350.
For flights of over 1,500 kilometres within the EU, the compensation is also £350.
For flights of over 3,500 kilometres outside of the EU, the compensation is £520 —but if your flight was delayed by fewer than 4 hours, the total amount might be reduced by 50%.
How to claim flight compensation for a cancelled Schiphol flight?
Unfortunately, airlines often try to deny passengers their well-deserved compensation — especially in situations like the chaos on Schiphol.
At Flight-Delayed.com, just in April we have already assisted over 11,000 passengers in their fight for a fair treatment from airlines. With 10+ years of experience and legal teams in 9 European countries, we are able to efficiently analyse your claim and fight for your rights — if needed, even in court.
For your convenience, we operate on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis.