UK261 compensation delays - Eastern Airways

claireabelle1234

Hi

We had a cancelled flight (after 3+ hours of waiting at Gatwick) to Newquay with Eastern Airways back in March. I raised a request for compensation, and they quickly came back confirming this was due and would be paid in 6-8 weeks time. Nothing happened, so chased up, to be told they had further delays and now likely 4-6 weeks. I've flagged again, and getting nowhere with customer service who just advise it should be paid at some point, but can't give timeframes and the like and state they expect customers to be patient.

Does anyone know:

• Is there a legal timeframe in which compensation has to be paid?
• Has anyone had any luck escalating within Eastern Airways at all? The reviews on other sites seem to suggest this is a common issue but I can't find alternative contact details.
• Is there any other way of escalating beyond the CAA PACT form?

Thanks in advance! 

eskbanker

The regulations don't specify a timeframe for compensation payments, so you might need to resort to a Letter Before Action to see if that prompts some movement, although best to be prepared to go through with small claims recovery if you go down that route.

claireabelle1234

Thank you for this!
Sent a l"etter before action" this morning and had the money back within a couple of hours, after over 14 weeks later than due! 

pastyboy22

I’ve been waiting since January 5th 2025 and have taken my complaint to the CAA. They are just as bad! Constantly asking for more and more proof when Eastern Airways do not deny they will pay the compensation they just keep delaying it. I think I’ll follow what has been suggested here and write a LBA. Any advice on what should include?  

Alan_Bowen

Eastern ceased all operations yesterday and intend to go into administration.. This means you, and the many others awaiting 261 compensation are never going to get it, sorry. They lost almost £20 million in the last year, the majority of planes have been returned to the owners and the staff haven't been paid so it is a sad situation for everyone, 250 have lost their jobs.