Can you get a Ryanair refund for cancellation if your flight is cancelled?
If yes, what are the relevant regulations? Will you receive a full refund from Ryanair?
If your Ryanair flight is cancelled, you may be eligible for a full refund. To understand your eligibility and the applicable rules, you can refer to European Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. This regulation outlines the obligations of airlines and the rights of passengers in case of flight disruptions. As per this law, if your flight is cancelled, you have the right to receive a refund or choose an alternative flight without any additional charges. In certain cases, you may also be eligible for compensation.
Ryanair Refund For Cancellation
There are two possible scenarios.
So, let’s start with a question — when was your flight cancelled?
Scenario 1: Flight Is Cancelled Less Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
You can get: Refund or new flight + compensation (if it’s due to the fault of Ryanair).
This qualifies as a last-minute flight cancellation.
In the event that your flight is cancelled less than 2 weeks before your trip, Ryanair offers two options along with potential compensation if the cancellation is their fault. Within this timeframe, Ryanair gives you the flexibility to choose between a full refund or a new booking to your intended destination.
In case the flight cancellation was due to Ryanair’s error, you may also be eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
Both the refund and compensation, if applicable, will be credited to your bank account.
Check your compensation online!
Read more:
- Ryanair flight cancellation compensation
- Your Ryanair Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
- Your Ryanair Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
Scenario 2: Flight Is Cancelled More Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
You can get: Ryanair refund or new flight to your destination.
If your trip is cancelled more than 14 days before departure, you are not eligible for compensation. However, Ryanair is still obligated to provide you with the choice between a refund or a new flight. You have the right to select the option that best suits your needs.
You can expect to receive your Ryanair refund for cancellation within 7 days.
It must be sent to your bank account.
You don’t have to accept a Ryanair voucher.
What If You Miss a Connecting Flight Due to Cancellation?
Do you need to be on time for another flight?
If your Ryanair flight is cancelled but you have another flight to catch, the responsibility falls on you. Even if it’s another Ryanair flight. Since it’s a self transfer, the airline cannot be held accountable for missed connections.
Ryanair does not offer protected connecting flights. Therefore, you will need to handle the consequences and arrange a new flight on your own.
For more information, see our guide to Ryanair connections/self transfers.
Ryanair Cancelled Flight Refund: FAQ
1. If My Flight Is Cancelled, Do I Get a Refund?
If you are flying with Ryanair, then yes.
You have the option to receive a refund instead of rebooking, but you cannot have both.
However, if Ryanair cancels your flight less than 14 days before your trip and it is their fault, you may be eligible for both a refund (or a new flight), as well as flight cancellation compensation.
2. Ryanair Voucher Refund or Cash, Can I Get Money?
What if you are offered a Ryanair voucher instead of compensation?
In such a situation, you have the option to decline and request monetary reimbursement instead. It is important to be aware that according to European Union regulations (Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and the Regulation UK 261), EU and UK-based airlines are obligated to provide compensation and refunds in the form of cash or bank transfers.
Have you already received a voucher from Ryanair? If so, contact them and ask to exchange Ryanair voucher to cash.
3. Ryanair Refusing Refund For Cancellation?
If Ryanair is denying you a refund, don’t lose hope.
You have every right to request a Ryanair refund for cancellation. Be sure to reference Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, specifically Articles 5 and 8, which oblige airlines to reimburse passengers in case of flight cancellation. If Ryanair continues to be uncooperative, reach out to the national enforcement body in the country where your flight originated for further assistance.
4. Can You Get Both Compensation and Refund?
Yes, there are circumstances where you can receive both.
If Ryanair cancels your flight due to their error less than 14 days before departure, you are entitled to a complete refund as well as compensation from Ryanair. Please note that the refund and compensation must be provided via bank transfer, not in the form of Ryanair vouchers.
If you have already received a voucher or coupon, you can request a monetary refund by contacting Ryanair.
Furthermore, regardless of the situation, you also have the right to care.
You have the right to care from Ryanair even if your flight is cancelled due to bad weather or other extraordinary circumstances.
By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.