September 2, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: A recent court decision has made it clear: travellers stuck by a late or cancelled flight and then rebooked can still claim passenger compensation for delay flight. Under Federal Decree Law No. 50 of 2022 and the Montreal Convention, anyone who loses hours, pays for extra meals or hotels, or misses important engagements can seek passenger compensation for a delayed flight.
Legal Foundation for Passenger Compensation for Delay Flight
In the UAE, airlines must follow Federal Decree Law No. 50 of 2022 (Commercial Transactions Law). Article 357 states that carriers are liable for any loss incurred when they delay your arrival or your baggage. Article 354 states that international treaties such as the Montreal Convention of 1999 take precedence over local rules when the UAE is a signatory.
Article 19 of that convention makes airlines liable unless they prove that extreme weather, air traffic control orders, or security alerts caused the holdup. Article 22(1) caps payouts at 4,150 Special Drawing Rights (about AED 21,000 or USD 5,700), ensuring a solid ceiling for passenger compensation for delay flight.
How to File Your Passenger Compensation for Delay Flight Claim?
Ready to claim passenger compensation for delay flight? Here’s what to do:
- Gather every paper and screenshot ticket, boarding pass, rebooking notice, and all messages from the airline.
- Write a brief, polite letter to customer service. Include your flight number, delay time, and any extra costs.
- Quote Article 357 of Federal Decree Law No. 50 and Articles 19 and 22(1) of the Montreal Convention.
- Ask for a written answer within 30 days, following IATA’s guidelines.
If you hear a “no,” take your case to the Dubai Aviation Authority’s Consumer Protection Section or to IATA in the UAE. Both bodies can step in when airlines stall on passenger compensation for delay flight.
Strengthening Your Passenger Compensation for Delay Flight Case
Dealing with a delayed flight is stressful enough; trying to claim compensation shouldn’t add to that headache. The best way to boost your chances? Keep everything you can.
- Start by saving every message from the airline emails, texts, chats, whatever shows you were kept in the loop. It’s amazing how much a screenshot can help later on.
- Also, hold on to every receipt for the little extras you had to pay for because of the delay. Grab that taxi, grab a meal, even that extra coffee if you paid for it due to the delay, and keep the proof.
- And don’t rely on memory alone. Jot down when you called customer service, who you spoke to, and any promises they made. It might seem tedious, but these details make a big difference when sorting out your claim.
At the end of the day, being organised isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about giving yourself the best chance to get what you’re entitled to. So while waiting for that flight can be frustrating, your next steps can make all the difference in winning your passenger compensation for delay flight.
Why This Ruling Matters for Travellers?
This decision nudges airlines to up their game. When carriers know they face real payouts for delays, they plan better and communicate sooner. That means fewer surprises and faster fixes for travellers. It also cuts down on messy disputes and boosts overall service quality in the UAE’s skies. Recent data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that carriers facing stricter delay compensation regimes improve on-time performance by up to 12% within a year of implementation.
Claim Your Passenger Compensation for Delay Flight
If you’ve been left waiting or placed on a later flight, you are entitled to more than a voucher or an apology. Under UAE law and the Montreal Convention, you have the right to seek passenger compensation for delay flight. Begin by reviewing your ticket’s terms and collecting all relevant documentation boarding passes, receipts, and correspondence.
Submit your claim promptly, citing the applicable statutes, and insist on a formal response within 30 days. By doing so, you can recover costs for lost time, additional expenses, and the inconvenience you endured. Assert your rights with confidence and secure the compensation you deserve.
