Iberia delay and cancellation compensation

7.84%

Cancels

Of its scheduled flights

78.53%

Arrives on time

Within 15 minutes

3,916

Flights measured

January 2025 – August 2026

The cancellation rate is the number that matters on this page: cancellation is what triggers a refund right. Delay, in the United States, does not.

Iberia is an EU carrier — EC 261 applies to much of what it flies

EC 261 covers any flight departing an EU airport on any airline, and flights arriving in the EU operated by an EU airline. Because Iberia is an EU carrier, both legs of a European round trip are usually covered.

Where it applies, an arrival delay of three hours or more, a cancellation with less than fourteen days' notice, or denied boarding entitles you to a fixed sum by distance — roughly €250, €400 or €600. It is not payable when the cause was an extraordinary circumstance, which in practice means most weather and air traffic control disruption.

The one rule that applies everywhere

If Iberia cancels your flight and you decline the alternative, you are owed your money back for the unused portion — whatever the reason, weather included. A voucher is something you may accept, never something you can be required to take.

Where Iberia flies from, and what applies there

Departing from Flights Scheme that applies
Spain 1,973 EC 261 — cash compensation possible
United Kingdom 1,699 UK261 — cash compensation possible
Brazil 128 No compensation scheme
Argentina 102 No compensation scheme

About Iberia's record

Is Iberia reliable?

Iberia arrived on time 78.53% of the time across 3,916 flights, ranking 78 of 86 airlines measured. That is around the middle of the field.

How often does Iberia cancel flights?

7.84% of its scheduled flights were cancelled. Cancellation matters more than delay for a traveller: it is the outcome that costs a day, and the one that triggers a refund entitlement.

When Iberia is late, how late is it?

About 8 minutes on average across its delayed arrivals.

This page explains published rules and is not legal advice. AirlineGrades is independent and not affiliated with Iberia. Confirm current thresholds with the relevant regulator before relying on them. The full guide →