Air Malta strike compensation in Europe.
Are you eligible for it? How much can you claim? What are the rules?
The majority of passengers might not know that strikes are not always categorised as extraordinary circumstances. If it’s the Air Malta staff (excluding airport staff) that goes on strike leading to flight delays or cancellations, passengers may potentially be entitled to flight compensation from Air Malta. Furthermore, passengers have a right to care.
Claiming this compensation can be done directly or through a flight compensation company.
1. Air Malta Strike Compensation
How to claim Air Malta strike compensation?
The conditions for getting compensation from Air Malta are uncomplicated.
The flight must have been delayed or cancelled:
- The flight delay needs to be a minimum of 3 hours. This is calculated from the time when the aeroplane doors open at the destination, allowing passengers to disembark. If the delay exceeds 3 hours past the planned arrival time, passengers could be entitled to flight delay compensation.
- The flight cancellation has to be announced at the last minute. A last-minute flight cancellation is when a flight is cancelled 0-14 days prior to the departure date. Under these circumstances, you might be entitled to Air Malta flight cancellation compensation (not only Air Malta refund for cancellation).
As you can see, it’s not specific compensation for Air Malta strikes (such compensations are not recognised in Europe), but it’s compensation for delays or cancellations.
These rules are applicable to all Air Malta flights to, within, and from Europe.
Are you going to miss a connecting flight due to delay/cancellation?
Air Malta will arrange a free replacement flight to ensure you reach your destination. They are obliged to do so. All airlines operating in Europe must adhere to these rules.
Read more: Air Malta Missed Connection Compensation
By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
1.1 Extraordinary Circumstances
Remember that strikes by airline personnel are not deemed extraordinary circumstances.
Likewise, technical problems and a shortage of staff do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances. Despite this, airlines might inaccurately point the delay or cancellation to extraordinary circumstances, excusing them of compensation responsibility. In such cases, it is beneficial to clarify with Air Malta directly regarding the delay or cancellation.
Therefore, verifying the airline’s claims before accepting them is smart. Make sure all information about flight compensation and refunds is thoroughly verified.
Read more:
- Your Air Malta Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
- Your Air Malta Compensation Claim Is Denied. What Next?
1.2 Right to Care
In case of flight delay, cancellation or overbooking, you have a right to care.
This means you are entitled to some free services. If your waiting time at the airport exceeds three hours, you could be eligible for a complimentary meal and beverage. If the delay extends beyond three hours at night, you may be entitled to free accommodation and airport transfers.
As defined by law, Air Malta is obligated to provide these services to passengers based on the duration of their wait. If you haven’t received any assistance, please approach Air Malta representatives at the airport.
2. How to Claim Air Malta Strike Compensation?
How to claim Air Malta strike compensation?
There are two possible ways to claim EU flight compensation.
For self-claiming compensation for an Air Malta strike, you can directly reach out to Air Malta by going to their website and seeking compensation through their customer support team. However, keep in mind that the process can be prolonged and may require negotiations for a satisfactory resolution.
Choosing legal representation is an alternative hassle-free route.
If you want to avoid navigating the complexities, you can opt for legal assistance. Various European companies specialize in flight compensation, and they can handle all procedures on your behalf. Our partners offer such services. Simply complete the form on our website to make a claim with our partners.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
Read more: How to Claim Air Malta Compensation?
2.1 How Long Does It Take?
What is the time frame for receiving compensation?
This procedure once required at least 2-3 months. Lately, the timeline has been extended.
You may experience this especially if you are claiming independently and the airline rejects your claim. It’s not a speedy process, so be prepared for it to take a while.
3. How Much Can You Claim?
How much is Air Malta strike compensation?
The compensation sums are the same for delays, cancellations, and missed connections with Air Malta. These are determined by EU regulations, and they range from €250 to €600.
The specific amount that you can claim depends upon the length of your flight and the duration of your delay.
When your destination is within the EU/UK:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km
When your destination is outside the EU/UK:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km
€600
If the distance of your flight is more than 3,500 km
There’s one exception. When the flight distance is 3500+ kilometres and you reach your destination 3 to 4 hours later than planned, you are entitled only to 50% of the compensation amount (that means €300, not €600).
3.1 Air Malta Voucher Refund or Cash?
Air Malta, like many other airlines, may offer vouchers as a form of compensation.
However, you need to understand that this is mostly in the airline’s favour as it reduces their compensation expenses.
Importantly, European law requires that airline compensation should come in the form of cash or bank transfers. You have the right to refuse the Air Malta voucher and demand a cash refund or bank transfer instead.
Air Malta Strike Compensation: FAQ
My flight was very cheap. Can I get compensation even if the flight was cheap?
Yes, because the price of the ticket doesn’t matter.
The price of your ticket won’t lower your chances of getting compensation.
Also it won’t affect compensation amount.
I don’t have travel insurance. Can I claim compensation without insurance?
Yes.
You don’t have to provide any insurance papers when claiming compensation. You don’t even need to have one.
As long as it’s a delay of at least 3 hours, and it’s due to the fault of the airline, you might be entitled to compensation.
Can my child/baby get compensation from Air Malta?
Yes.
The age of the passenger doesn’t matter.
Your kid can get compensation, too. Even if you are traveling with an infant who has a special infant ticket, they can get compensation. If you are entitled to compensation of 600 euro, your child/baby will be too.
Can I claim compensation for another person?
Can I claim compensation for a friend, relative, family member?
Yes, you can. Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself.
They will need to provide you with their boarding pass and passport copy. And sign a couple of documents. That’s it. The rest you can do yourself.
How far back can I claim compensation?
Can I claim compensation for old flights?
It depends on the laws of the country.
In many European countries you can claim compensation even for old flights. If your flight was 2-3 years ago, you still might be able to claim compensation for it. However, for the best results, we would recommend you to make a claim as soon as possible.
What to do if Air Malta is refusing my claim?
Air Malta is refusing to pay compensation even though you are entitled to it.
Is it possible to get compensation after all? How can you proceed? The best way is to hand over your case to a flight compensation company. They will pursue compensation on your behalf.
Alternatively, you may contact the respective national enforcement body and ask them to help solve your case. There are national enforcement bodies in all the EU Member states.
EU – Non-EU Flights, Tourists
I’m flying to the EU from a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
If it’s an Air Malta flight, then yes, you can.
Air Malta is a EU airline. And on all of its flights you are protected under the EU law. As long as your flight is eligible to compensation, you can get it.
Even if it’s an Air Malta flight departing from a country outside the EU.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
If it’s an Air Malta flight, then yes, you can.
An all Air Malta flights you are protected, thanks to the EC Regulation 261/2004.
I am not a EU/UK/EEA citizen. Can I get compensation?
Yes.
Your nationality doesn’t matter.
Other Situations
Air Malta booked me on a new flight and provided me with a free hotel stay. Can I still get compensation for my flight?
Yes might.
As long as your flight is eligible.
Accepting a free hotel stay and new flight doesn’t affect your chances of receiving this compensation.
Air Malta took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?
You might.
Accepting a replacement flight doesn’t affect your chances of receiving this compensation.
Have you ever had an experience with Air Malta strike compensation or refund? Did Air Malta pay the compensation in timely manner? Do you still have questions about Air Malta compensation policies? Ask in the comments.