Iberia Flight Delay Compensation
Iberia connects Spain to Europe, Latin America, and North America from its hub at Madrid Barajas. If your Iberia flight arrived 3+ hours late, EU Regulation 261/2004 may apply depending on the route and circumstances. Check free in 60 seconds.
Check My Iberia Flight →How much can I claim from Iberia?
- 🛫 Short flights (under 1,500 km) — €250
- 🛫 Medium flights (1,500–3,500 km) — €400
- 🛫 Long-haul (over 3,500 km) — €600
Clairo caps its estimate at €400 when both ends of the route are EU/EEA/UK airports, mirroring the intra-Community cap in Article 7(1)(b); it only estimates €600 where one end lies outside that area. Long UK–EU routes sit at the edge of that cap, so treat the figure as an estimate and check the position for your route.
Madrid–Buenos Aires (~10,100 km) and Madrid–Mexico City (~9,000 km) both exceed 3,500 km, so they fall in the €600 band.
Is Iberia covered by EU261 compensation?
Yes. Iberia is Spain's national carrier, part of the IAG group (alongside British Airways and Vueling), and is an EU-registered airline covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. Iberia operates from Madrid Barajas (MAD) and Barcelona to European, Latin American and North American destinations.
How much can I claim from Iberia for a delay?
EU261 distance bands are €250 for flights under 1,500 km, €400 for qualifying flights from 1,500–3,500 km, and €600 for qualifying long-haul flights over 3,500 km. The route and circumstances determine the applicable amount. Article 7(1)(b) sets €400 for intra-Community flights over 1,500 km, so the €600 band applies only where one end of the route lies outside that area; Clairo treats EU/EEA and UK airports as inside it, and long UK–EU routes sit at the edge of the cap.
What about Iberia Express — is it the same as Iberia for EU261?
No. Iberia Express (IB Express) is a separate subsidiary with its own airline code and legal entity. If your flight was operated by Iberia Express (flight code I2), your EU261 claim is against Iberia Express, not Iberia mainline. Both are fully covered by EU261, but they are separate companies for claims purposes.
How are pilot strikes assessed for Iberia flights?
Strike cases are fact-specific. EU court decisions distinguish some action by an airline's own staff from external third-party action. Review who was striking, the event and reasonable measures taken.
How long do I have to claim from Iberia?
Claim deadlines depend on the applicable jurisdiction. Check current official guidance for the route. For an unresolved Spanish complaint, consult current AESA guidance.
Common Iberia delay reasons that qualify
- ✅ Aircraft technical fault
- ✅ Iberia own pilot or cabin crew strikes (SEPLA)
- ✅ Crew duty time exceeded
- ✅ Late inbound aircraft from Latin America hub connections
- ❌ AENA (airport authority) strikes or closures
- ❌ Extreme weather at Madrid or destination
- ❌ Third-party ATC strikes
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