Flight diverted. What does it mean? Why do flights get diverted? What happens if your flight is diverted?
A diverted flight happens when an aircraft lands at an airport other than the one originally scheduled. This can occur for various reasons — such as bad weather, safety concerns, medical emergencies, or air traffic restrictions.
While diversions can be frustrating, passengers are protected under European air passenger rights regulation (EU261/2004). Here’s everything you need to know about what happens during a flight diversion, what the airline must provide, and when you might be entitled to diverted flight compensation.
Check your compensation online.
What Does ‘Diverted Flight’ Mean?
A diverted flight occurs when the aircraft cannot land at its intended destination and is redirected to another airport.
This decision is always made for safety or operational reasons — for example:
- Adverse weather conditions at the destination airport
- Technical or mechanical issues
- Medical emergencies on board
- Airspace congestion or restrictions
Once the plane lands at the alternate airport, the airline will assist passengers in reaching their final destination. This might involve waiting for repairs, transferring to another aircraft, or arranging alternative ground transportation such as a bus, train, or taxi.
If you had a connecting flight, the airline should rebook you on the next available flight to your destination — at no additional cost.
‘Flight diverted’ meaning: when an airplane cannot land at its intended destination and is rerouted to another airport for safety or operational reasons.
Your Right to Care
If your flight is diverted and you need to wait at the airport, you are entitled to assistance and basic care under EU law.
Depending on the length of the delay and circumstances, this may include:
- Meals and refreshments during the waiting period;
- Hotel accommodation if you must stay overnight;
- Transport between the airport and hotel.
Airlines are required to provide this support until you can continue your journey. All of this is provided for free.
If the airline doesn’t offer you anything, please contact the airline and request care yourself.
Learn more: Right to Care
Your Right to Reach Your Destination
No matter the reason for the diversion, the airline must ensure that you arrive at the destination listed on your original ticket.
This obligation includes:
- Providing a replacement flight;
- Offering ground transport if flying is not possible;
- Covering any reasonable travel costs you incur to reach your destination.
You should not have to pay anything extra for these arrangements.
Contact the airline representatives at the airport if nothing is offered to you.
When a Diverted Flight Returns to Its Departure Airport
In some cases, a diverted flight may return to its origin airport instead of landing at a different one. This typically happens when a technical or safety issue arises shortly after takeoff.
If that occurs, the airline must:
- Rebook you on the next available flight to your destination;
- Provide care (food, drinks, and accommodation, if necessary).
- Pay for any approved alternative travel arrangements.
Your right to care and transport remains the same as with any other diversion.
Flight Diverted: Compensation Rights
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, you may be entitled to compensation for diverted flight if your diverted flight causes you to arrive three hours or more later than scheduled and the reason for diversion was within the airline’s control.
Diverted flight compensation is treated the same way as flight delay compensation, since the diversion results in passengers arriving at their destination later than scheduled.
Possible Diverted Flight Compensation Amounts
Diverted flight compensation amounts depends on the distance of your flight:
- €250 – Flights up to 1,500 km
- €400 – Flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
- €600 – Flights over 3,500 km
However, compensation does not apply when the diversion is due to extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, air traffic control restrictions, security issues or medical emergencies.
TAP flight diverted due to weather? Compensation is not due as bad weather is an extraordinary circumstance.
How to Claim Diverted Flight Compensation?
If your flight was diverted and you arrived more than three hours late, you can file a compensation claim directly with the airline.
To speed up the process, have these documents ready:
- Your booking reference and ticket number
- Boarding passes
- Written confirmation or notification of the diversion
- Receipts for any expenses (if applicable)
If your compensation claim is denied, don’t give up right away — the decision might not be justified. You can appeal by researching your rights or reaching out to your National Enforcement Body (NEB) for help.
If submitting your claim directly with the airline feels complicated, you can use a flight compensation service. Our trusted partners can handle the process for you. All you need to do is fill out one form. The rest is done by a team of professionals.
Check your compensation online.
Read more: How to Claim TAP Portugal Compensation?
Flight diverted? A flight diversion can be inconvenient, but EU law protects you — ensuring the airline gets you to your destination safely, provides care during delays, and offers compensation when applicable.
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