A British couple stranded in Majorca by a 26-hour flight delay of a Monarch aircraft have won a court victory after contesting the airline’s claim that no compensation was due since the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances. The court however found that the airline should have been prepared for technical faults and that EU law applies, which states that airlines must pay compensation for cancelled or heavily delayed flights.
Compensation under Regulation (EC) 261/2004 is set at around €250 (£210) for inter-EU flights of 930 miles or less, €400 (£330) for flights between 930 and 1,860 miles and €600 (£500) for other journeys.
Mr and Mrs Brittain were awarded their full compensation claim of £430, plus legal costs. Monarch has stated that it is considering an appeal against the ruling.
Test case victory against Monarch
