Flight delays at Moscow Sheremetyevo

Which rules apply

Moscow Sheremetyevo is located in Russia, so EU261 does not apply to domestic flights. Article 120 of the Russian Air Code governs: 100 roubles per hour of delay, capped at 50% of the fare. The exception is flights by European carriers into the EU.

Russia’s largest airport. The European regulation does not apply to departures here: Russian Air Code rules govern — 100 roubles per hour of delay capped at 50% of the fare, plus mandatory care in the terminal.

What the airline must provide

• from 2 hours — refreshments and two calls or messages
• from 4 hours — a hot meal, then every 6 hours by day and 8 hours at night
• from 6 hours at night, 8 by day — a hotel with free transfers
• with children under 7 — access to a mother and child room

These duties apply regardless of the cause of the delay and of the fare paid.

What to do during a delay

1. Photograph the departures board showing the actual time and status
2. Keep your boarding pass and request written confirmation of the delay
3. Ask for meals and drinks — this is the carrier’s duty, not a goodwill gesture
4. Keep receipts if you had to pay yourself
5. Check your entitlement and file a claim

Frequently asked questions