If your flight with SunExpress was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, you may be entitled to compensation under the SHY Passenger Regulation. This law protects passengers traveling to, from, or within Turkey and requires airlines to provide compensation and assistance when disruptions occur.
Depending on the situation, you could claim up to €600 in compensation, along with additional support such as meals, accommodation, or an alternative flight. In this guide, we’ll explain when SunExpress compensation applies and how you can claim it.
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When Are You Entitled to SunExpress Compensation?
You may qualify for compensation if:
- Your flight arrives 3 hours or more late, or
- Your flight is cancelled at short notice, or
- You are denied boarding due to overbooking
To be eligible, the disruption must be within the airline’s control, such as technical or operational issues. Compensation does not apply if the disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or airport closures.
SunExpress Flight Delay Compensation
If your SunExpress flight arrives at your final destination 3 hours or more late, you may be entitled to compensation.
The key factor is your arrival time, not departure. Compensation is calculated based on:
- Flight distance
- Length of delay at arrival
If you are stranded at the airport due to a delay, you have the right to care. Yes, even if your flight is delayed due to extraordinary circumstances, when flight compensation is not due.
SunExpress Flight Cancellation Compensation
Passengers may be entitled to compensation if their flight is cancelled at short notice and the airline is responsible.
In this case, you have the right to choose between:
- A full refund, or
- Re-routing on another flight
If you are left waiting at the airport, SunExpress must also provide care and assistance, such as meals and accommodation if necessary. This is called “right to care”.
SunExpress Denied Boarding Compensation
Denied boarding usually happens when a flight is overbooked.
If you are involuntarily denied boarding, you are entitled to:
- SunExpress compensation
- A choice between a refund or alternative flight
- Immediate assistance (meals, hotel if needed)
Passengers who voluntarily give up their seat may receive benefits, but these are usually lower than standard compensation.
How Much Is SunExpress Compensation?
Compensation under SHY depends on flight distance:
| Flight Distance | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Domestic flights within Turkey | €100 |
| Up to 1,500 km | €250 |
| 1,500–3,500 km | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km | €600 |
Compensation is typically paid in Turkish Lira equivalent.
Refund for a Cancelled SunExpress Flight
If your SunExpress flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a full refund if you choose not to travel.
The airline must offer:
- A refund, or
- An alternative flight
Refunds cover the unused part of your ticket and are usually returned via the original payment method.
Importantly, this right applies regardless of the reason for cancellation, even if compensation is not owed.
What Is the SHY Passenger Regulation?
The SHY Passenger Regulation is a law that protects passengers when flights are disrupted.
It was introduced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to ensure airlines treat passengers fairly and provide compensation and assistance.
SHY applies to:
- Flights departing from Turkey
- Flights arriving in Turkey on Turkish airlines
- Domestic flights within Turkey
The regulation is similar to EU Regulation 261/2004, although it applies specifically to Turkey.
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