When it comes to flight compensation under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, not all delays or cancellations are treated equally. One of the most important factors that determines the amount of compensation you’re entitled to is the distance of your flight—whether it’s short-haul, medium-haul, or long-haul.
In this article, we’ll break down how compensation varies based on flight type, what qualifies as short, medium, or long-haul, and what you need to know when filing your claim.
Understanding Flight Types Based on Distance
✈️ Short-Haul Flights
- Distance: Up to 1,500 kilometers (932 miles)
- Examples: Sofia to Vienna, Budapest to Rome, Warsaw to Berlin
✈️ Medium-Haul Flights
- Distance: Between 1,500 km and 3,500 km (932 – 2,175 miles)
- Examples: London to Athens, Bucharest to Madrid, Wizz Air flights to Tel Aviv or Dubai
✈️ Long-Haul Flights
- Distance: Over 3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles), usually intercontinental
- Examples: London to Dubai, Budapest to New Delhi, flights from EU to the USA or Asia
How Compensation Amounts Are Calculated
Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, the compensation is based on flight distance and delay duration.
| Flight Type | Distance | Delay (at arrival) | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Haul | ≤ 1,500 km | 3+ hours | €250 |
| Medium-Haul | 1,500 – 3,500 km | 3+ hours | €400 |
| Long-Haul (non-EU) | > 3,500 km | 4+ hours | €600 |
✅ Note: These amounts apply only if the delay or cancellation is the airline’s fault and not due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, strikes, security threats).
Special Cases and Reductions
In some cases, compensation may be reduced by 50% if the airline provides an alternative flight that reaches your destination with minimal delay:
| Flight Distance | If Alternative Flight Arrives Within | Compensation Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | 2 hours | €125 (50% of €250) |
| 1,500–3,500 km | 3 hours | €200 (50% of €400) |
| Over 3,500 km | 4 hours | €300 (50% of €600) |
Examples Based on Flight Type
- Short-Haul:
Sofia to Milan (1,200 km) – delayed by 3.5 hours → €250 compensation - Medium-Haul:
London to Istanbul (2,400 km) – canceled less than 7 days before departure → €400 compensation - Long-Haul:
Budapest to Abu Dhabi (4,200 km) – arrival delay of 4+ hours → €600 compensation
Important Notes
- Compensation is per passenger, not per booking.
- Children with paid tickets are also entitled to the same compensation.
- You must have checked in on time and have a confirmed reservation.
The type of flight—short, medium, or long-haul—plays a key role in determining how much compensation you may receive for a delay or cancellation. By understanding how EU Regulation EC 261/2004 applies based on distance, you can better assess your eligibility and claim the correct amount.
Did your Wizz Air flight get delayed or canceled? Use a flight compensation calculator today to find out how much you’re owed!