Royal Air Maroc changes its flight twice: the second email costs it 400 euros
His flight was due to leave Amsterdam on August 1, 2022. Royal Air Maroc first tells him it will depart from Maastricht, then postpones the trip until the following day. The first change was announced early enough; the second requires the airline to pay the passenger 400 euros.
On July 14, the passenger learns that his August 1 flight will ultimately depart from Maastricht-Aachen Airport, not Amsterdam. He is informed of this change more than two weeks before the scheduled departure.
On Bladi.net : Amsterdam Airport Restrictions Force Royal Air Maroc to Reroute Flights to Maastricht
But on July 27, Royal Air Maroc sends him a new email: the departure from Maastricht is postponed from August 1 to August 2. The passenger then claims the compensation provided for under the European regulation on air passenger rights.
The second email changes the outcome of the dispute
Before the Limburg court, the airline argues that it notified the passenger more than fourteen days in advance. The judge distinguishes between the two changes: the one announced on July 14 meets this deadline, but the postponement communicated on July 27 constitutes a new cancellation announced only five days before departure.
Royal Air Maroc also cites the difficulties faced by Dutch airports during the summer of 2022: staff shortages, capacity restrictions and rerouted flights. The court acknowledges that these disruptions did occur, but the airline does not explain why they specifically required the cancellation of this flight departing from Maastricht. Nor does it show that it took all possible measures to avoid it.
In its ruling of August 26, 2026, the Dutch court therefore awards the passenger 400 euros, with interest accruing from August 1, 2022. Royal Air Maroc must also pay 72.60 euros in collection costs and 440.47 euros in legal costs.
