Flight compensation in Ireland: how to escalate a refused claim.
Ireland pairs one of Europe's longest limitation periods with one of its cheapest court routes. Enforcement now sits with the Irish Aviation Authority, and a refused claim of typical EU261 size fits neatly into the Small Claims Court for a €25 fee.
Checked by the FlightCompensations editorial team
Last updated 17 August 2026 · Editorial & corrections policy
Direct answer
Key takeaways
- The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is now Ireland's EU261 enforcement body — it absorbed the former Commission for Aviation Regulation in 2023, so older guides naming the Commission are out of date.
- You can complain to the IAA once the airline has refused a valid claim or failed to respond; it examines complaints and supervises airlines, though it does not act as a court.
- Ireland's limitation period is 6 years — among the longest in Europe — but claiming early keeps evidence fresh.
- The Small Claims Court takes consumer claims up to €2,000 for a €25 fee, comfortably covering any single-passenger EU261 amount, and no lawyer is needed.
- Always claim from the airline in writing first; both the IAA and the court expect that step.
What qualifies — and what usually doesn't
May qualify for compensation
- Your flight departed an Irish airport on any airline, or arrived in Ireland on an EU/EEA carrier.
- You have a qualifying EU261 disruption: a 3+ hour delay at the final destination, a short-notice cancellation, or denied boarding.
- You claimed from the airline in writing and it refused, underpaid or failed to respond.
- You are within the Irish limitation period of 6 years.
- For the Small Claims Court: your claim is within the €2,000 limit (per claim).
Usually excluded
- Disruptions the airline proves were caused by extraordinary circumstances (for example severe weather or air traffic control restrictions).
- Claims brought after the 6-year limitation period has expired.
- Flights with no Irish or EU261 connection (for example a non-EU airline between two non-EU airports).
- Complaints to the IAA about flights that fall under another country's enforcement body (generally, complaints go to the country of departure within the EU).
Rights by jurisdiction
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is Ireland's designated enforcement body for EU261. This role previously belonged to the Commission for Aviation Regulation, which was absorbed into the IAA in 2023 — so the IAA is the body to contact today.
Once you have claimed from the airline and been refused or ignored, you can submit a complaint to the IAA. It reviews whether the airline complied with the regulation and can pursue non-compliant carriers, but it does not issue enforceable payment orders in individual cases — for that, the Small Claims Court is the backstop.
What to do
- 1Send the airline a written claim with your flight details and keep proof of the date.
- 2If the airline refuses or stays silent, complain to the IAA (not the former Commission for Aviation Regulation, which no longer exists as a separate body).
- 3Note your deadline: 6 years, but claim early while evidence is fresh.
- 4For a refused valid claim, file with the Small Claims Court — up to €2,000, €25 fee, no lawyer needed.
- 5Or let us run the whole process for you — check your flight in a few seconds.
Documents to keep
How to claim
- 1Check your flight — we assess eligibility under EU261 and Irish limitation rules.
- 2We prepare and submit the claim to the airline and handle its response.
- 3If a valid claim is refused, we escalate to the enforcement body or recommend the Small Claims Court route.
- 4No win, no fee: you only pay our fixed €39 success fee when compensation is recovered.
Frequently asked questions
Who enforces air passenger rights in Ireland now?
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). It absorbed the former Commission for Aviation Regulation in 2023 and took over its passenger-rights functions, so complaints go to the IAA today — guides that still point to the Commission are out of date.
How much does the Small Claims Court cost?
The application fee is €25, and the procedure covers claims up to €2,000 — more than any single-passenger EU261 amount. No solicitor is required, and the Registrar tries to settle the case before it ever reaches a judge.
How long do I have to claim in Ireland?
Generally 6 years for contract-based claims — one of the longest limitation periods in Europe. The precise application can depend on your circumstances, so if your flight was years ago it is still worth checking, but claiming promptly is always the stronger position.
Will the IAA order the airline to pay me?
The IAA examines complaints and can pursue airlines that breach EU261, which often prompts payment, but it is a regulator rather than a court. If the airline still refuses a valid claim, the Small Claims Court is the enforceable route.
Check if your flight qualifies
Free in about 15 seconds. You receive the airline's compensation and pay only our fixed €39 fee after success.
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