By The Escape desk · Last verified 28 September 2026

Singapore has no law requiring airlines to compensate you for a delayed or cancelled flight, so on most trips from Changi the airline’s own policy decides what you get. That usually means rebooking or a refund, and meals or a hotel for long delays. The exceptions are flights covered by the EU’s rules, which can pay €250 to €600, and claims under the Montreal Convention for losses you can prove. For everything else, your travel insurance is the safety net.

Quick facts

• Singapore has no compensation law for delays or cancellations.
• On most flights, the airline’s own policy applies.
• EU rules cover flights departing the EU, and EU airlines flying into the EU.
• EU compensation is €250 to €600, depending on distance.
• Weather and other extraordinary circumstances usually rule compensation out.
• Travel insurance commonly pays S$100 to S$200 for each six hours of delay.

What do airlines usually do?

On routes without a compensation law, airlines follow their own policies. Singapore Airlines, for example, has no fixed compensation chart outside the EU rules, but provides refreshments, meal vouchers and a hotel if you’re stuck overnight. On a major delay or cancellation, it offers another flight or a refund if you no longer want to travel. Ask the airline’s staff for what’s available, and keep every receipt.

When do EU rules apply?

On any flight departing from an EU airport, whatever the airline, and on EU airlines flying into the EU. So a Singapore Airlines flight from Frankfurt is covered, but its flight to Frankfurt isn’t. Compensation of €250 to €600, depending on distance, is due if you reach your destination three or more hours late, or if your flight is cancelled with less than 14 days’ notice. The airline doesn’t pay if the cause was extraordinary, such as bad weather, a security risk, air traffic restrictions or an airport closure.

What about the Montreal Convention?

It covers international flights between countries that have ratified it. It doesn’t pay a fixed sum for a delay. You claim for the financial loss the delay actually caused you, up to a cap, and you must prove that loss. The airline isn’t liable if it took all reasonable steps to avoid the delay.

Where does travel insurance fit?

Travel insurance pays a set amount for each block of delay, commonly S$100 to S$200 for every six hours, up to a total cap. It may also cover extra hotel nights or missed connections, depending on the plan. The fixed delay benefit is usually paid whatever the airline offers, but insurers won’t reimburse an expense the airline has already covered, so check your policy’s wording.

What to do when it happens

• Ask the airline for meals, a hotel if needed, and a rebooking or refund.
• Get written confirmation of the delay or cancellation and its cause.
• Keep every receipt for food, transport and accommodation.
• Claim from the airline and your insurer separately.

The WahLiao Verdict

Leaving Singapore, you rely on the airline’s goodwill and your insurance, so buy the insurance and keep the receipts. Coming home from Europe, check the EU rules before you accept a voucher.

Questions people ask

My flight from Changi was delayed four hours. Am I owed compensation?

Not by law, unless it’s an EU airline flying into the EU. Ask the airline what it offers, and claim on your travel insurance.

Do I get my money back if the airline cancels?

Airlines generally offer another flight or a refund. Check the airline’s conditions of carriage for the details.

Can I claim for weather delays?

Not under the EU rules, but your travel insurance may still pay its delay benefit.

Should I use a claims company?

They take a share of any payout. EU claims can be made directly to the airline.

Sources: Singapore Legal Advice, claiming compensation for cancelled or delayed flights; SkyRefund on Singapore Airlines and EU rules; Mondaq on extraordinary circumstances and the Montreal Convention; MoneySmart on travel delay benefits. This is general information, not legal advice.

Read next: Travel Insurance in Singapore · Changi Airport Departures · Back to The Escape

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