When Turkish Airlines workers strike, it often results in significant flight disruptions. This can be incredibly frustrating for passengers, leading to confusion and inconvenience due to flight cancellations. If your Turkish Airlines flight was cancelled due to strike or you faced a lengthy delay, and you were traveling to or from the EU, you may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation. This compensation is available to help mitigate the stress and inconvenience caused by these unexpected disruptions.
What is a Flight Strike?
A flight strike occurs when employees such as air traffic controllers, airline staff, or airport workers organize a shutdown to protest working conditions or wages. This can result in significant flight delays or flight cancellations. An airline strike involves employees or unions halting operations, while an airport strike typically involves baggage handlers, security guards, or other ground staff. These actions lead to flight disruptions due to insufficient personnel to maintain regular operations, causing many flights to be delayed or canceled.
Passenger Rights in Case of Turkish Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation due to Strike
Passengers can claim flight compensation due to a Turkish Airlines flight strike in two particular cases: a standard airline crew strike and a wildcat strike. Recent rulings have clarified that airline personnel strikes are not considered an extraordinary circumstance (ECJ, C-28/20 from 23.3.2021). This includes wildcat strikes, where employees call in sick en masse and do not report to work. In these situations, the airline is obligated to pay passengers compensation for delayed or cancelled flight.
The Turkish Airlines compensation amount depends on the flight distance, and you may be entitled to receive up to €600. If your flight is delayed by more than 5 hours, you can get a refund if you decide not to travel. Additionally, the airline must provide services such as free meals, refreshments, and accommodation based on the length of the delay.
When Are You Entitled to Turkish Airlines Strike Compensation?
Passengers can claim Turkish Airlines flight compensation in cases of planned airline personnel strikes and wildcat strikes, as these are not considered extraordinary circumstances (ECJ, C-28/20 from 23.3.2021). A wildcat strike happens when airline staff suddenly call in sick, disrupting flight operations. Therefore, when staff engage in a planned or wildcat strike, the airline must compensate for flight delays or cancellations. This includes providing meals, refreshments, accommodation, and airport transfers if the flight is delayed by at least 2 hours.
However, not all strikes entitle passengers to claim compensation. According to EU regulations, strikes by airport staff and ground crew (such as baggage handlers, security guards, and firefighters) are beyond the airline’s control and are considered extraordinary circumstances. In these cases, the airline is not responsible for compensating passengers for delays.
Compensation in Case of Turkish Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Due to Strike
If your Turkish Airlines flight was delayed or canceled due to a strike, you may be entitled to compensation.
Flight Cancellation Compensation
You are entitled to Turkish Airlines flight cancelled due to strike compensation if the airline notified you less than 14 days before your flight departure and could not offer you an alternative flight arriving at a similar time.
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ €125 | ✅ €250 | ✅ €250 | ✅ €250 | ✅ €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| ✅ €200 | ✅ €200 | ✅ €400 | ✅ €400 | ✅ €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| ✅ €200 | ✅ €200 | ✅ €400 | ✅ €400 | ✅ €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| ✅ €300 | ✅ €300 | ✅ €300 | ✅ €600 | ✅ €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
Flight Delay Compensation
An airline strike can sometimes lead to long delays, significantly affecting your arrival at your final destination. You are entitled to Turkish Airlines flight delay due to strike compensation if your flight is delayed by 3 hours or more.
| Distance | Less than 3 hours | 3 – 4 hours | More than 4 hours | Never arrived |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All flights 1,500 km or less | ❌ | ✅ €250 | ✅ €250 | ✅ €250 |
| Internal EU flights over 1,500 km | ❌ | ✅ €400 | ✅ €400 | ✅ €400 |
| Non-internal EU flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km | ❌ | ✅ €400 | ✅ €400 | ✅ €400 |
| Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km | ❌ | ✅ €300 | ✅ €600 | ✅ €600 |
Which Turkish Airlines Flights are Covered by EU 261
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, specific flight routes are eligible for compensation in cases of flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding. This regulation applies to both EU and non-EU carriers, with some distinctions based on the flight itinerary.
For Turkish Airlines flights, the coverage under EU 261 includes:
- Flights departing from any EU airport, regardless of the destination or the airline’s nationality.
- Flights arriving at an EU airport if operated by an EU carrier.
The table below details which flights are covered by EU 261:
| Itinerary | EU Air Carrier | Non-EU Air Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| From inside the EU to inside the EU | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| From inside the EU to outside the EU | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| From outside the EU to inside the EU | ✅ Covered | ❌ Not covered |
| From outside the EU to outside the EU | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered |
This means that if you experience a Turkish Airlines flight strike or other disruptions on flights departing from an EU country, you are protected under EU 261 and may be entitled to compensation.
How to Claim Turkish Airlines Strike Compensation
Flight problems can happen for many reasons, but passengers who have been inconvenienced by a Turkish Airlines flight strike may be entitled to compensation.
- Fill Out this Compensation Form: To claim Turkish Airlines flight compensation, you need to fill out a form with essential details about your disrupted flight. This includes the flight number, date, and a description of the issue, such as whether it was a delay or cancellation due to a strike.
- Submit Your Information: Once you provide the relevant information, our experts will begin working on your case. They will help you submit a claim for compensation from Turkish Airlines under EU 261. Our team can handle the complex process for you, ensuring you have the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
By following these steps, you can navigate the claims process effectively. Let our experts take the lead, simplifying the process and striving to secure the compensation you are entitled to due to the flight strike.
Other Rights Covered by Regulation EU261
In addition to monetary compensation due to strike, you are entitled to several other rights under Regulation EU261.
Right to Care
If your Turkish Airlines flight is delayed by 2 or more hours, regardless of the cause, the airline must provide you with food, drinks, and access to communication (such as two phone calls, emails, or faxes). If the delay extends to 6 or more hours, the airline is also required to provide hotel accommodation and transportation to and from the airport. These rights ensure that passengers are taken care of during prolonged disruptions.
Ticket Refund or Re-routing
Alongside Turkish Airlines flight compensation for delays, if your flight is delayed by more than five hours, you can choose to get a full or partial refund of your original ticket. Additionally, you have the right to a return flight to your initial departure point if necessary, providing flexibility during significant travel disruptions.
Upgrading and Downgrading
If you are offered an alternative flight and receive an upgrade, the airline cannot charge you extra. However, if the alternative flight is in a lower class, you are entitled to a reimbursement of 30-75% of the price you originally paid. This provision ensures fair treatment whether your travel experience is upgraded or downgraded.