Airline guide
Ryanair flight delayed or cancelled?
Ryanair has its own EU261 claims form and, notably, actively encourages passengers to use it directly rather than going through a claims company.
Claim deadline
Varies by country
Verified · checked Jun 2026
Ryanair's own help centre directly urges customers with valid claims to submit straight to Ryanair, stating that third-party "claims chaser" firms can deduct over 40% of a €250 claim — and that customers claiming directly receive 100% of their entitlement. Ryanair states it aims to process claims within 10 days. *In practice, third-party guides report response times can run longer when claims are disputed.
How to claim directly
Use Ryanair's official EU261 claim form via their Help Centre (search "EU261 Ryanair claim form" or look under Claims in your myRyanair account). You'll need your booking reference, flight number, and identity verification — Ryanair requires this to confirm you're a named passenger on the booking.
What typically happens if Ryanair disputes your claim
Pattern to expect
Ryanair is known for an initial-denial-then-escalate pattern, particularly citing "extraordinary circumstances." One detailed third-party tracker described a typical sequence: claim filed, 6 weeks pass, Ryanair denies citing extraordinary circumstances, claim escalated to the relevant national enforcement body (e.g. Ireland's Commission for Aviation Regulation), with resolution often landing around 4-6 months after filing.
This doesn't mean your claim is invalid — airlines sometimes cite "extraordinary circumstances" even when the actual cause (e.g. a technical fault) doesn't legally qualify. If denied, escalating to your departure country's national enforcement body is a real, free option before considering legal action.
Compensation amounts
Standard EU261 amounts apply: €250 for flights under 1,500km, €400 for 1,500-3,500km, €600 for longer flights — reduced if Ryanair gets you to your destination only slightly late via rerouting.
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