Air Algérie passengers can claim up to 600 euros, depending on route

Algérie 360 reported that Air Algérie passengers on flights from France can get up to 600 euros after a delay of more than three hours or a cancellation.

The amount depends on the direction of the trip, and the rules differ for flights from France and flights from Algeria.

European Regulation No 261/2004 protects passengers on flights that leave from an airport in the European Union.

It applies to all airlines, including Air Algérie, so flights from Paris to Algiers, Lyon to Oran or Marseille to Constantine are covered.

Flights from Algeria

Before claiming, passengers should check where the flight starts, because that decides whether the European rule applies, according to the source.

How the amount is set

A delay of more than three hours at arrival gives the same payment as a cancellation, according to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

The amount depends on the distance of the flight: 250 euros up to 1,500km, 400 euros from 1,500km to 3,500km, and 600 euros beyond that.

Most flights between France and northern Algeria are under 1,500km, according to the source. A Lyon to Oran flight, at about 1,220km, gives the right to 250 euros.

Flights to Tamanrasset or Djanet go beyond 1,500km and give the right to 400 euros.

The payment is halved if the airline offers another flight that arrives with a limited delay. For a flight under 1,500km, that delay must not be more than two hours.

The payment is made to each passenger, children included, if they have a confirmed booking.

For a trip with a connection, the distance is counted from the departure airport to the final destination, a principle set by the CJEU. The delay is measured at arrival at the final destination.

The source gave one example: a Lyon to Ouagadougou trip via Algiers, which it puts at more than 3,700km in a straight line. The source says a delay or cancellation on that trip would give 600 euros, not 250 euros.

According to the source, it is better to check the distance before claiming, so as not to ask for less than is due.

When the airline can refuse

The airline can refuse payment if it proves extraordinary circumstances, meaning events it could not avoid even with all reasonable measures. A storm, a strike by air traffic controllers or a decision by the authorities are examples, according to the source.

A simple technical fault or a delay in organisation is generally not enough, and the burden of proof lies with the airline, not the passenger. Recent court decisions ruled against airlines that gave no justification, according to the source.

A cancellation announced at least 14 days before departure does not give the fixed payment. The passenger keeps the right to a refund of the ticket or to another flight.

The same applies if the airline offers another route close to the original timetable, according to the source.