Diverted
Your flight was diverted
A diversion is treated as a late arrival at your original destination — and the airline has to get you there, at its own expense.
The airline must complete the journey
When you are landed at a different airport, the airline must pay for the transfer to the airport you booked, or to another destination you agree to. A coach, a train or a taxi arranged and paid for by the airline — not a voucher and a shrug.
Compensation is measured on arrival
The clock runs until you reach your booked destination airport, including the transfer. If that total is three hours or more beyond your scheduled arrival, you are in compensation territory at the usual €250–600 bands.
The cause still matters
Diversions for weather, a medical emergency on board or an airport closure are extraordinary circumstances and block the cash. A diversion because the crew ran out of legal duty hours, or because the airline missed a curfew slot, does not.
Quick answer
A diversion is treated as a late arrival at your original destination — and the airline has to get you there, at its own expense.
- Main rule
- EU261 (EC 261/2004)
- Potential compensation
- €250–€600 per passenger
- Delay threshold
- Usually 3+ hours at final destination
- Coverage
- EU/EEA departures and qualifying arrivals
Common questions
- I paid for my own taxi from the diversion airport. Can I claim it back?
- Yes. Transport to your booked destination is the airline's cost; submit the receipt with your claim.
- We landed at the right time but at the wrong airport. Anything?
- Compensation depends on when you reached the booked airport. If the transfer pushed you past three hours, claim.
- The captain said it was a medical emergency. Does that block it?
- Usually yes, as it is outside the airline's control — but you still keep the transfer and the right to care.
Primary sources
Official guidance and legislation used to review this page.
- Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 — EUR-Lex
- Air passenger rights in the EU — European Commission