Flight cancellations can ruin even the best travel plans — but the good news is that as a passenger, you’re not left without options. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, you may be entitled to a new flight, a refund, and, in some cases, flight cancellation compensation when your flight is cancelled.
Let’s break down what your rights are and how to make sure you get what you’re entitled to.
Check your compensation online.
What Happens if Your Flight Is Cancelled?
Norwegian flight cancelled? It doesn’t matter whether your flight is cancelled at the last minute or announced in advance, or whether the reason is a technical problem or an extraordinary circumstance — your basic rights remain the same.
The airline must offer you a choice between:
- A full refund of your unused ticket, or
- Re-routing to your final destination as soon as possible, under similar travel conditions, or
- A new flight at a later date that suits you, depending on seat availability.
You can choose either of these options. A new flight and re-routing must be offered free of charge.
Norwegian Flight Cancelled? You Have a Right to a New Flight (Re-Routing)
If you decide to continue your journey, Norwegian will rebook you on the next available flight to your destination — either on one of their own flights or, if necessary, on another airline to get you there as soon as possible.
What this means for you:
- You won’t pay any additional fees for the rebooking.
- The airline must offer you the earliest available alternative.
- You may also choose to travel at a later date that suits you, depending on seat availability.
- If no immediate flight is available, Norwegian may arrange travel with another airline.
- If your destination is nearby, the airline may provide ground transport such as a bus or train.
Always double-check your rebooked flight details and confirm them through the Norwegian website or mobile app.
When your flight is cancelled, it’s important to act quickly. If the airline hasn’t contacted you yet, reach out to ask about your rebooking options. If you receive an email offering alternative flights or a refund, respond as soon as possible with your choice. During busy travel periods, seats on replacement flights can fill up fast, so prompt action is essential.
Flight Cancellation Due to Extraordinary Circumstances
Norwegian flight cancelled due to bad weather or other extraordinary events?
Even if your flight is cancelled because of extraordinary circumstances, you are still entitled to a replacement flight. Extraordinary circumstances are events outside the airline’s control — such as severe weather, air traffic control restrictions, strikes not involving the airline’s own staff, or political instability.
You also retain your right to care in these situations. This means the airline must provide meals and drinks, along with hotel accommodation and transport if an overnight stay is required, until you can board the next available flight.
In short, a cancellation caused by extraordinary circumstances does not remove your right to be rebooked to your final destination as soon as possible.
Norwegian Denied Boarding Due to Flight Overbooking
If you’re denied boarding because a flight is overbooked, you have specific legal rights — including the right to a replacement flight at no extra cost. This applies whether the denial is voluntary (you give up your seat) or involuntary (the airline refuses boarding without your consent).
Along with a new flight, the airline must also provide care, such as meals, refreshments, and accommodation when necessary.
If you were involuntarily denied boarding, you may also be entitled to denied boarding compensation, in addition to the care provided and your replacement flight.
Right to Care While Waiting
Norwegian flight cancelled while you’re already at the airport? Good news – you are entitled to care and assistance while you wait for your new flight or alternative travel arrangements.
For daytime waits of three hours or more, Norwegian must provide free meals and refreshments, along with two complimentary communication options, such as phone calls, emails, or faxes. These are typically offered through meal and service vouchers.
If your wait extends overnight, Norwegian must also provide a free hotel stay, airport transfers, and continued access to food and drinks at no cost to you.
Check your compensation online.
When You May Also Get Flight Cancellation Compensation?
If your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure, you may be entitled to flight cancellation compensation — unless the airline can prove that the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances (such as extreme weather or air traffic control strikes). Keep in mind that technical issues with the aircraft aren’t extraordinary circumstances.
Compensation amounts depend on the flight distance:
- €250 for flights up to 1,500 km
- €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
- €600 for flights over 3,500 km
Read more:
How to Claim Norwegian Compensation?
You can claim your new flight or compensation in two ways:
- Directly with the airline — through its customer service or online claims form. Make sure to include your booking reference, flight details, and reason for cancellation, and attach any receipts or documentation that support your claim.
- Via a flight compensation company — if you prefer someone else to handle the process for you (usually on a “no win, no fee” basis).
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
It doesn’t matter when or why your flight was cancelled, you are always entitled to a new flight or a full refund.