Italy, with its bustling airports and vibrant tourism, is no stranger to flight disruptions. Whether you're flying from Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Venice Marco Polo, or Naples Capodichino, delays can turn your travel plans into a nightmare.
But here’s the good news: if your flight was delayed for over three hours and the airline was responsible, you could be eligible for up to €600 in compensation under EC261/2004.
Flight delays happen for various reasons, but in Italy, some common causes include:
Air Traffic Congestion – Major hubs like Rome and Milan are among the busiest in Europe.
Weather Conditions – Fog in Milan or summer storms in Naples can disrupt flights.
Strikes – Italy is known for frequent air traffic control and airline strikes.
Technical Issues – Aircraft maintenance problems can lead to significant delays.
If you find yourself stranded at an Italian airport due to a long delay, follow these steps:
Confirm the reason for the delay – Ask the airline for an official statement.
Keep all travel documents – Boarding passes and receipts are essential.
Request assistance – If your delay exceeds two hours, you are entitled to free food, drinks, and accommodation if necessary.
Track the actual arrival time – If your flight arrives over three hours late, you could claim compensation.
Yes, if your delay meets these conditions:
The flight departed from or landed in the EU with an EU airline.
The delay was over three hours on arrival.
The reason was within the airline's control (not bad weather or extraordinary circumstances).
According to EC261, you may be entitled to:
DistanceDelay TimeCompensation (€)Up to 1,500 km3+ hours€2501,500 - 3,500 km3+ hours€400Over 3,500 km4+ hours€600
Some airports in Italy experience more delays than others. Based on recent statistics, these are the top offenders:
Rome Fiumicino (FCO) – Heavy traffic and strikes frequently cause delays.
Milan Malpensa (MXP) – Weather-related disruptions are common.
Venice Marco Polo (VCE) – Delays often occur during peak tourist seasons.
Naples Capodichino (NAP) – Operational inefficiencies can slow things down.
If you're stuck due to a long delay and need to reach your destination sooner, consider rerouting from nearby airports:
Flying from Milan? Check Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) for alternative flights.
Stranded in Rome? Rome Ciampino (CIA) might have options with low-cost airlines.
In Naples? Try departing from Rome, which is just an hour away by train.
Filing a claim might sound complicated, but it's easier than you think:
Check your eligibility – Use our quick claim checker to see if you qualify.
Submit your claim – Provide your flight details, and we handle the rest.
Get paid – If your claim is successful, you’ll receive up to €600 directly to your bank account.
No Win, No Fee – We only get paid if you do.
Expert Legal Team – We fight the airlines on your behalf.
Fast & Easy Process – No paperwork, no stress.
A flight delay in Italy is frustrating, but it doesn’t have to mean losing time and money. If your flight was delayed for more than three hours, you have rights! Claim up to €600 now and turn your inconvenience into compensation.
📍 Start your claim in just 3 minutes – it’s free to check!