What Is a Cancellation?

A cancellation occurs when a flight is officially canceled by the airline, meaning the flight will not operate as originally scheduled. This can happen due to various reasons, such as unforeseen technical issues, strikes, severe weather conditions, airspace restrictions, or other extraordinary circumstances. 

Cancellation Due to Extraordinary Circumstances

Extraordinary circumstances refer to events that could not have been avoided even with all reasonable measures taken. Examples include:

• Severe weather conditions or the impact of adverse weather on previous flights.
• Urgent technical issues that directly affect flight safety.
• Strikes or other labor disputes impacting operations.
• Airspace restrictions imposed by Air Traffic Control (ATC).
• Unforeseeable crew illnesses.
• Security risks or unforeseen safety concerns.
• Other extraordinary events, such as natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or political instability.

If your flight is cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances, the airline is not required to provide monetary compensation. However, DAT will offer:

1. Re-routing: Travel on an alternative DAT flight to your final destination at no additional cost, subject to seat availability.
2. Rebooking: An option to change your journey to a later departure, subject to available capacity.
3. Refund: If the purpose of your trip is no longer valid, you are entitled to request a refund for the unused ticket, including any return journey.

Cancellation Due to Circumstances Within DAT’s Control

Cancellations that result from circumstances within the airline’s control may include:

• Operational adjustments within the airline’s control.
• Predictable technical issues.
• Staffing shortages that should have been reasonably anticipated.

If your flight is cancelled for these reasons, you may be entitled to:

1. Re-routing or Refund:
   • Travel on an alternative DAT flight to your final destination at no additional cost, subject to seat availability.
   • A full refund of the unused ticket and any return journey if you choose not to proceed with your travel plans.
2. Assistance:
   • Meals and refreshments proportional to the waiting time.
   • Hotel accommodation and transportation to/from the hotel if an overnight stay is necessary.
   • Two free telephone calls, emails, or faxes.
3. Compensation: You may be entitled to financial compensation as follows:
   • EUR 250 for flights up to 1,500 kilometres.
   • EUR 400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres.
   • EUR 600 for flights over 3,500 kilometres.

Exceptions to Compensation:

You may not be entitled to compensation in the following cases (this list is not exhaustive, and other factors could affect your eligibility):

• • Timely Notification: You were informed of the cancellation:
    • 14 days or more before the scheduled departure.
    • 7 to 14 days before departure and offered an alternative flight that departs no more than 2 hours earlier and arrives no more than 4 hours later.
    • Less than 7 days before departure and offered an alternative flight that departs no more than 1 hour earlier and arrives no more than 2 hours later.
  • Extraordinary Circumstances: The cancellation was caused by events beyond the airline’s control.
  • Failure to Meet Check-In Requirements: You did not check in or present yourself at the boarding gate by the deadline specified by the airline.
  • Voluntary Cancellation: You voluntarily opted for a refund or re-routing and agreed to forego compensation.
  • Missed Alternative Flight: You failed to accept or board an alternative flight offered by the airline.

• Non-Compliance with Travel Documentation: You did not provide the necessary travel documents, such as a valid passport, visa, or other required identification.