How to Claim Compensation for a Delayed Flight in Tirana

Experiencing a delayed flight can be frustrating, especially when you have a tight schedule or important plans awaiting you. If you recently faced a delayed flight in Tirana, Albania, you may be eligible for compensation. Thanks to European regulations and specific Albanian bylaws, passengers have the right to claim compensation for significant delays caused by airlines.

In this article, we will guide you through the compensation process, explaining your rights under Regulation EC 261/2004 and Article 7 of Bylaw No 1 (dated 26.02.2013) of the Republic of Albania. We will also provide step-by-step instructions on how to file a successful compensation claim.

Understanding Your Rights Under EC 261/2004

Regulation EC 261/2004 is a European Union regulation designed to protect air passengers in the event of flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. Since Albania is an EU candidate country, its airlines and airports must adhere to this regulation for flights departing from Tirana International Airport (TIA) or arriving on EU-based carriers.

According to EC 261, passengers are entitled to compensation if:

1. The flight is delayed by 3 hours or more at the final destination.

2. The delay was caused by reasons within the airline’s control, such as operational issues or technical problems. Extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather or airport strikes, are exempt from compensation.

3. The flight departs from Tirana International Airport and lands in the EU, or if the airline operating the flight is based in the EU, regardless of the destination.

The compensation amounts under EC 261 are as follows:

• 250 EUR for flights up to 1,500 km.

• 400 EUR for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km.

• 600 EUR for flights over 3,500 km.

In addition to monetary compensation, passengers are entitled to assistance, such as meals, refreshments, accommodation, and transportation, depending on the length of the delay.

Compensation Rights Under Albanian Law

In addition to EC 261, Albania has its own legal framework to protect passengers. Article 7 of Bylaw No 1 (dated 26.02.2013) of the Republic of Albania outlines the specific rights of air passengers for flights departing from Tirana International Airport.

According to Article 7:

• Passengers are entitled to compensation for delays exceeding two hours on short-haul flights and three hours on long-haul flights.

• Airlines operating in Albania must provide refreshments, meals, and accommodation if the delay exceeds a specified threshold.

• If the delay results in a passenger missing a connecting flight, the airline is obligated to offer an alternative flight or refund the ticket.

• The compensation amounts are generally aligned with those specified under EC 261 but may include additional provisions specific to Albania.

By incorporating both EC 261 and Albanian law, passengers flying from Tirana benefit from robust protection against flight disruptions.

Steps to Claim Compensation for a Delayed Flight in Tirana

If you’ve experienced a delayed flight in Tirana, follow these steps to claim your rightful compensation:

1. Check Your Eligibility

Ensure that your flight delay meets the criteria set by EC 261 and Article 7 of the Albanian Bylaw. The key factors to consider include:

• The total delay at the final destination.

• Whether the delay was caused by the airline’s fault.

• The distance of your flight.

2. Gather Relevant Documentation

To file a successful compensation claim, you will need:

• A copy of your flight ticket or boarding pass.

• Proof of the delay (this can be a written confirmation from the airline or a photograph of the airport information board showing the delay).

• Receipts for any expenses incurred due to the delay, such as meals, hotel accommodation, or transportation.

3. Submit a Claim to the Airline

Most airlines operating in Tirana provide online forms for compensation claims. Submit your claim directly to the airline, providing all the necessary documents and details about your delayed flight.

4. Escalate the Claim if Necessary

If the airline rejects your claim or fails to respond within a reasonable time frame, you can escalate the matter by:

• Filing a complaint with the Albanian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

• Seeking legal assistance or using a compensation claim service to handle the process on your behalf.

Common Challenges in Claiming Compensation

While EC 261 and Albanian bylaws provide clear guidelines for compensation, airlines may attempt to deny claims by citing extraordinary circumstances or providing insufficient evidence. It’s important to know that:

• Extraordinary circumstances do not include technical issues or staffing problems.

• Airlines must provide detailed evidence if they claim that extraordinary circumstances caused the delay.

• You have the right to seek clarification and further evidence from the airline if they reject your claim.

Why Use Trouble Flight for Your Compensation Claim?

Claiming compensation for a delayed flight can be time-consuming and complex. That’s where Trouble Flight comes in. We specialize in helping passengers secure compensation quickly and efficiently. Here’s why you should choose us:

• Expertise in EC 261 and Albanian law: Our team is well-versed in both European regulations and local Albanian bylaws.

• No win, no fee: You only pay if we successfully obtain compensation on your behalf.

• Hassle-free process: We handle the entire claim process, from submitting your claim to negotiating with the airline.

Conclusion

If you’ve experienced a delayed flight in Tirana, you don’t have to bear the inconvenience alone. Under EC 261 and Article 7 of Bylaw No 1 of Albania, you have the right to claim compensation for delays caused by the airline. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, or contact Trouble Flight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Don’t let a delayed flight ruin your travel plans—claim your rightful compensation today!