Flight cancellations linked to the Iran conflict are beginning to hit routes across Europe, including Spain, raising a key question for travellers: what are you actually entitled to?

Under EU law, your rights are clearly stated, even in times of geopolitical crisis.

Passenger protections are governed by EU Regulation 261/2004, which applies to all flights departing from the EU or operated by EU airlines.

If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to:

A refund or alternative travel: Airlines must offer you a full refund or an alternative flight to your destination, either as soon as possible or at a later date that suits you.

Care and assistance: If you are stranded, the airline must provide meals and drinks, plus access to communication (calls or emails). If you are forced to stay overnight, they must also cover hotel accommodation and transport to and from the airport.

Can you claim compensation?

Passengers can receive compensation – typically between €250 and €600 – but not if the airline can prove ‘extraordinary circumstances.’

Events like war, airspace closures or major geopolitical instability usually fall into this category.

That means if your flight is cancelled due to knock-on effects from the Iran conflict – such as fuel price spikes or airspace disruption – you may not be entitled to compensation, even though you still retain your rights to refunds and care.

When compensation still applies

You may still be entitled to compensation if you were informed less than 14 days before departure and the alternative flight significantly delays your arrival – and the airline cannot prove the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances.

Otherwise, compensation is unlikely.

Spanish airline Volotea has already cancelled a number of April routes – including domestic and holiday flights – citing ‘geopolitical instability’ and rising fuel costs.

That shows how the impact of the conflict is spreading beyond the Middle East itself.

What you should do if your flight is cancelled

Experts at the European Consumer Centre in Spain recommend:

• Keep receipts for any expenses (food, hotels, transport) if the airline does not provide assistance, as you can claim them back later
• Check your travel insurance carefully, as some policies exclude war-related disruption
• Stay in contact with your airline for rebooking options
• Contact your embassy if you are stranded abroad and need assistance

Even in a crisis, airlines still have a duty of care.

But when cancellations are linked to war or global instability, compensation is far from guaranteed.