SIGNALactive LAST UPDATE13 minutes ago SOURCES10 monitored Monday · May 4, 2026
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SIGNAL · FINNAIR-S-2-MONTH-EC-261-COMPENSATION-DEADLINE-RULED-LAWFUL-BY-MARKET-COURT · Apr 18

Finnair's 2-Month EC 261 Compensation Deadline Ruled Lawful by Market Court

Finland's Market Court ruled that Finnair's requirement to file EC 261 compensation claims within two months is lawful, as EU regulation leaves deadlines to national law. This aggressive timeline applies only to Finnish passengers

Why it matters

Affects Finnair loyalty members and route planners. Relevant for Accor Live Limitless elites and award redeemers.

What happened

The Finnish Market Court has dismissed a case brought by the Finnish Consumer Ombudsman, ruling that Finnair's practice of rejecting EC 261/2004 compensation claims filed after two months is not unlawful. While EU regulation sets minimum rights for flight disruptions, it does not specify a deadline for submitting claims to the airline; this is determined by national legislation. Since Finnish law lacks specific provisions on this timeframe, Finnair defined "reasonable time" as two months. The court found this consistent with generally accepted business practices. This 2-month window is significantly shorter than the 2-4 years typically allowed in other European jurisdictions, but the ruling applies specifically to Finnair passengers in Finland. The Consumer Ombudsman noted disappointment and is evaluating further actions

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