SunExpress flight delayed or cancelled? Claim up to €600
SunExpress is a Turkish-German joint venture airline based in Antalya, connecting Portugal to Turkish holiday destinations. As a non-EU carrier, EC 261/2004 only applies to SunExpress flights departing from EU airports.
Claims reputation
SunExpress can be difficult to deal with for compensation claims. As a non-EU carrier, they sometimes dispute EC 261 applicability even on qualifying EU-departure flights.
Tips for claiming against SunExpress
- EC 261 only covers SunExpress flights departing from EU airports — return flights from Turkey are NOT covered.
- File your claim with the NEB of the departure country (e.g., ANAC for flights from Portugal).
- SunExpress is a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa — but claims must be filed directly with SunExpress.
Compensation amounts
€250
Under 1,500km
€400
1,500–3,500km
€600
Over 3,500km
Common SunExpress routes
Does SunExpress pay EC261 claims?
SunExpress is slow to process compensation claims, often taking 8–12 weeks. As a non-EU carrier, they may challenge jurisdiction on EU-departure flights. Persistence is key — reference specific EC 261 articles and escalate to the departure country's NEB if initial claims are ignored.
Frequently asked questions
How much compensation can I claim from SunExpress?
Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, you can claim €250 for flights under 1,500 km, €400 for flights between 1,500–3,500 km, and €600 for flights over 3,500 km. These amounts apply per passenger regardless of what you paid for your ticket.
How do I claim compensation from SunExpress?
You can claim directly through SunExpress's customer service, but airlines often delay or reject valid claims. Using a claims service like FlightOwed means your claim is assessed by experts, letters are drafted professionally, and — if needed — legal action is taken. We charge 25% only if we win.
How long do I have to claim from SunExpress?
EU law doesn't set a single deadline — it depends on your country's statute of limitations. In most EU countries it's 2–3 years; in some (like the UK pre-Brexit) it's 6 years. If your flight was in the last 3 years, you almost certainly still have time to claim.
Does EC 261/2004 apply to SunExpress flights?
Yes, if your flight departed from any EU airport, OR if SunExpress is an EU-registered carrier and your flight arrived at an EU airport. The regulation covers all qualifying routes regardless of where you bought your ticket.
What if SunExpress claims extraordinary circumstances?
Airlines frequently invoke "extraordinary circumstances" to avoid paying compensation — but many claims are unjustified. Technical faults, crew scheduling issues, and overbooking are NOT extraordinary circumstances. We challenge invalid claims on your behalf.