My flight was delayed or cancelled — who enforces my compensation?
Under EU 261 you are owed €250–€600 for a delay of 3+ hours at arrival, a cancellation with less than 14 days' notice, or denied boarding — unless the airline proves extraordinary circumstances. Claim from the airline first, in writing. If it refuses or ignores you for 6–8 weeks, Úřad pro civilní letectví (ÚCL) (225 421 111) is the national enforcement body in Czechia; a complaint there is free. ČOI — mimosoudní řešení sporů offers binding dispute resolution. Check your amount first with our flight tool.
🗣️ What to say
"Flight [number] on [date] from [A] to [B] arrived … hours late / was cancelled on [date]. Under Regulation (EC) 261/2004 Art. 7 I claim €… compensation, to [IBAN], within 14 days. Booking reference […]."
🪜 Step by step
- Check the amountDistance and delay decide: €250 up to 1,500 km, €400 up to 3,500 km, €600 beyond. Our flight-compensation tool does it in 30 seconds.
- Claim from the airlineTheir online form or e-mail. Keep the boarding pass, booking, and any message about the delay.
- Give them 6–8 weeksThen escalate. "Extraordinary circumstances" must be proven by the airline — technical faults are not.
- Complain to Úřad pro civilní letectví (ÚCL)The enforcement body for flights departing Czechia or arriving on an EU airline. Free; it can fine the airline.
- Binding decision: ČOI — mimosoudní řešení sporůThe dispute board issues a decision the airline has to follow; otherwise, small-claims court.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Which country's body?
The one where the disrupted flight departed. For a flight into the EU on an EU airline, the arrival country.
The airline offered a voucher
You can refuse it. Compensation is money; the refund of the ticket is separate and also money unless you agree otherwise.
Does the flight tool cost anything?
No. It checks eligibility and drafts the claim; you send it yourself.
📎 Sources
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “flight compensation who to complain Czechia”
- “airline not paying EU261”
- “national enforcement body flight Czechia”
- “flight delayed 3 hours compensation”
- “cancelled flight rights”
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