Yes, you are entitled to a new flight (if Ryanair cancels your flight).
We’ve all experienced it. You’re at the airport, thrilled about your trip, and suddenly, the dreaded announcement comes — your Ryanair flight has been cancelled. The confusion and frustration that follow are often heightened when the airline doesn’t provide alternative travel options.
Or if the alternative offer or information isn’t clear.
Don’t lose hope. This guide will walk you through the steps to take if you find yourself in this situation.
What Are Your Rights With Ryanair?
First of all, it’s essential to know your rights as a passenger.
In Europe, there’s a regulation called EU261/2004. It protects passengers when flights are cancelled, or delayed, or when boarding is denied. If your flight is cancelled, Ryanair must offer you an alternative flight or a full refund.
But what happens if they don’t offer alternative travel options?
This is when you need to take action.
What to Do When Ryanair Cancels a Flight? Step by Step
Here’s a guide on what to do if your flight gets cancelled.
Document Everything (Step 1)
When you’re dealing with a cancellation, it’s key to keep track of all the details.
This will help you later on when you try to get compensation.
Keep your boarding pass, along with any emails or text messages about the flight, and take photos of the cancellation notice. This will serve as proof if you need to file a claim.
Request Alternative Travel Options (Step 2)
Go to the Ryanair customer service desk right away.
Kindly but firmly ask them to arrange the next available flight for you, even if it’s with another airline. It’s their responsibility to ensure you reach your destination as quickly as possible.
Remember that you also have a right to care while you wait for the flight at the airport. Airlines are obligated to look after passengers, which means providing meals, refreshments, and accommodation (if needed) until they can get you on your way.
This step is extremely important. You need to make Ryanair to find a solution.
If this doesn’t work, then move on to step 3.
Yes, in many cases, it seems easier to “just buy a new flight”.
However, getting your money back from Ryanair later may be more difficult than arranging a better flight during travel disruptions.
Book a New Flight Yourself (Step 3)
If nothing seems to be working – buy a new flight on your own and then file a claim with the airline.
If you have travel insurance that covers flight cancellations and changes, you can get your money back from the insurance company. Plus, you can get a refund for flight cancellation from Ryanair and sometimes also a flight cancellation compensation (if the flight was cancelled due to the airline’s fault and occurred less than two weeks before the departure date).
Don’t forget to keep all your receipts!

Claim Ryanair Flight Compensation
Whether or not Ryanair offers you a new flight, you might still be entitled to flight cancellation compensation – if the flight was cancelled less than two weeks before your scheduled departure and it was due to Ryanair’s fault.
Under the EU261/2004 regulation, you could receive up to €600.
Steps to Claim Cancellation Compensation:
- File a complaint with Ryanair. Begin by sending an official complaint to Ryanair’s customer service. Clearly outline your flight details and describe what happened. Provide all necessary documentation, like your boarding pass and a copy of your passport or ID.
- Collaborate with a flight compensation company. If Ryanair doesn’t respond or reject your claim without a valid reason, think about using a flight compensation company. These companies specialise in these kinds of disputes and can greatly improve your chances of a successful claim. Use our form, and we’ll send your claim to one of the best companies in the industry.
- Escalate the issue. If the airline still refuses to compensate you, take the issue to the National Enforcement Body (NEB) that governs airline regulations in the country where the event took place.
While a flight cancellation is certainly a stressful situation, knowing your rights and the actions to take can work in your favour. Ryanair, like all other airlines, has responsibilities towards its passengers. If they do not live up to these responsibilities, you are fully entitled to seek support.
The more passengers take action, the simpler and better it will become for everyone in the long run – it’s within our control to ensure airlines adhere to the regulations.