Flight Delayed in Turkey? Here’s How to Claim Compensation Up to €600

Delayed Flights in Turkey: Your Rights and How to Get Compensated

Turkey is one of the world’s most visited travel destinations, home to bustling cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir, as well as major international transit hubs. Whether you're flying for business or leisure, a flight delay in Turkey can quickly turn your travel plans upside down. But did you know that you could be entitled to compensation of up to €600?

If your flight from or to Turkey has been delayed, don't let it ruin your trip. Regulations like EC261/2004 and Turkey’s aviation laws protect passengers, and airlines may owe you money if your delay meets certain conditions.

Understanding Flight Delay Compensation in Turkey

If your flight was delayed by 3 hours or more, you may be eligible for compensation. The key factors determining your right to claim are:

• Departure or arrival from an EU country (including flights operated by EU airlines to Turkey).

• Delays caused by the airline's responsibility (not bad weather or security threats).

• Flight delay exceeding 3 hours when reaching the final destination.

Airlines often avoid informing passengers of their rights, so knowing the law can make a difference in getting what you’re owed.

Which Flights in Turkey Are Eligible for Compensation?

Turkey has several major international airports, including:

• Istanbul Airport (IST) – A crucial transit hub connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

• Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) – Popular for budget airlines and domestic travel.

• Antalya Airport (AYT) – A hotspot for summer holiday travelers.

• Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) – The capital’s main airport with frequent domestic and international routes.

If your flight departed from any EU airport to Turkey or was operated by an EU airline departing from Turkey, you may be entitled to compensation under EC261/2004 regulations.

Compensation Amounts for Flight Delays in Turkey

The amount you can claim depends on the flight distance:

• Up to 1,500 km: €250

• 1,500 – 3,500 km: €400

• Over 3,500 km: €600

Most international flights to Turkey exceed 1,500 km, meaning you could receive between €400 and €600 per passenger.

What Causes Flight Delays in Turkey?

Flight delays in Turkey can happen for many reasons, including:

1. Airline Operational Issues

• Crew shortages, aircraft maintenance problems, or overbookings.

• Strikes by airline staff, including pilots and cabin crew.

2. Air Traffic Congestion

• Istanbul Airport (IST) is one of the busiest in the world, often causing congestion and delays.

• Airspace restrictions or high seasonal demand, especially during summer holidays.

3. Weather Conditions

• While Turkey enjoys mild weather, winter fog in Istanbul and summer heatwaves in Antalya can impact flight schedules.

4. Security and Political Factors

• Additional security screenings or sudden government-imposed restrictions.

• Airspace closures affecting routes between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Regardless of the cause, if the airline is responsible for the delay, you have the right to claim compensation.

What to Do If Your Flight in Turkey is Delayed

If you're stuck at the airport due to a delay, follow these steps:

1. Check Your Flight Delay Duration

• Airlines often underestimate delay times. Check your actual departure time compared to your original schedule.

2. Ask for Refreshments and Accommodation

• If the delay exceeds 2 hours, the airline must provide food, drinks, and access to communication.

• If the delay extends overnight, you are entitled to a hotel stay and transportation to and from the hotel.

3. Keep All Documents and Receipts

• Save your boarding pass and booking confirmation.

• Take screenshots of delay announcements or ask airline staff for a written statement confirming the cause.

4. Don’t Accept Vouchers Instead of Cash

• Airlines often offer travel vouchers to avoid paying compensation. You are entitled to cash or bank transfer payments instead.

5. Claim Compensation with Trouble Flight

• Many passengers never claim their compensation because the process seems complicated. But with Trouble Flight, we handle everything for you. Submit your flight details, and we’ll fight to get your compensation!

Additional Travel Tips If Your Flight Is Delayed in Turkey

Consider Alternative Airports

If your flight is delayed for too long and you need to reach your destination faster, check for alternative airports nearby:

• For Istanbul: If your flight from Istanbul Airport (IST) is delayed, check for flights from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Many budget airlines like Pegasus operate from SAW.

• For Antalya: If flights from Antalya Airport (AYT) are heavily delayed, check for alternative departures from Gazipaşa Airport (GZP), which is about 2 hours away.

How to Reach Alternative Airports

• Istanbul’s Havaist Buses connect IST and SAW within 90 minutes.

• Domestic flights from Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) can be an option if your long-haul flight is disrupted.

These alternative routes could help you avoid long waiting times.

How to Claim Compensation for a Flight Delay in Turkey

Claiming compensation can be challenging if you go through the airline directly. They often use legal loopholes to reject claims. With Trouble Flight, the process is simple:

1. Enter your flight details – We verify if you're eligible for compensation.

2. We handle the airline for you – Our legal team fights for your rights.

3. You get paid – If successful, you receive up to €600 per passenger.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Airlines Avoid Paying Compensation!

A flight delay in Turkey is frustrating, but you don’t have to suffer financially. Under EU and Turkish aviation laws, airlines must compensate passengers when they are responsible for delays.

With Trouble Flight, claiming your money is easy. Check your eligibility today and let us fight for your compensation while you relax.