How much can I get for a cancelled Brussels Airlines flight?

Beyond a ticket refund, EU261 compensation of 250 EUR (up to 1,500 km), 400 EUR (1,500-3,500 km) or 600 EUR (over 3,500 km), if the cancellation was notified less than 14 days ahead and was not caused by extraordinary circumstances.

Is Brussels Airlines covered by EU261?

Yes. It is a Belgian airline, so an EU carrier: EU261 applies to all flights departing the EU and to all flights arriving in the EU operated by Brussels Airlines.

Are a refund and compensation the same thing?

No. A refund returns your ticket price; compensation is a fixed amount for the disruption. They are independent and you can often get both.

Brussels Airlines cancelled flight refund: rights and process

Q: Is Brussels Airlines reliable?

Very. It cancels only 0.9% of flights (below the industry average of around 1.6%) and 94% of flights arrive on time, with an average delay of just 9 minutes. It is one of the most reliable and punctual airlines in Europe.

If you are looking for information on a refund for a cancelled Brussels Airlines flight, start with some good news: it is genuinely uncommon. Brussels Airlines cancels only 0.9% of flights, below the industry average (1.6%), and it stands out above all for punctuality: 94% of flights arrive on time, with an average delay of just 9 minutes. It is one of the most reliable airlines in Europe. But if your flight has actually been cancelled, here are your rights.

Refund or compensation? Two different things

The refund returns your ticket price, when the flight is cancelled and you do not accept the proposed alternative.
EU261 compensation is a fixed amount for the disruption, unrelated to the ticket price: 250 EUR (up to 1,500 km), 400 EUR (1,500-3,500 km), 600 EUR (over 3,500 km).

They are independent rights: in many cases you are entitled to both. Compensation, however, only applies if the cancellation was notified less than 14 days in advance and was not caused by extraordinary circumstances (severe weather, airspace closure, controller strikes).

When EU261 applies to Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines is a Belgian airline, so an EU carrier. EU261 applies:

to all flights departing from an EU airport, whatever the destination;
to all flights arriving in the EU operated by Brussels Airlines (an EU carrier).

Its main hub is Brussels, so almost the entire network is covered by the regulation.

How to get a refund

Go to “My Booking” on the Brussels Airlines website or use the cancelled-flight form.
If the rebooking offered does not satisfy you, decline it and request a cash refund within 7 days: the voucher is optional.
For compensation, file a separate claim stating the flight number, date and amount due by distance.
Keep the cancellation email, boarding pass and receipts for meals, hotel and transport.

What FlightGuard does

Even with a reliable carrier like Brussels Airlines, a check ahead does no harm. With FlightGuard you assess your flight’s risk based on weather, carrier punctuality, ATC delays and other factors. The data sources are at /en/sources/.

In short

With Brussels Airlines cancellations are rare and delays minimal. In the unlikely event the flight is cancelled, you are still entitled to a ticket refund and, if you were notified less than 14 days ahead, to EU261 compensation too (250/400/600 EUR).