BUCHAREST, ROMANIA, August 13, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — Millions of airline passengers experience delays, cancellations, and missed connections every year, yet many never discover that they may have legal rights under European passenger protection laws.
Irina Ciochiu, Founder of FlightHelp, is raising awareness about the importance of understanding passenger rights and seeking informed guidance before assuming an airline’s decision is final.
According to European industry estimates:
More than 30 million passengers across Europe may be eligible for compensation each year under EU261 regulations.
Studies suggest that fewer than 40% of eligible passengers submit a claim, leaving billions of euros in potential compensation unclaimed annually.
Eurocontrol reports that European air traffic has returned to near pre-pandemic levels, increasing the number of passengers affected by operational disruptions during busy travel periods.
For Ciochiu, the issue goes beyond compensation. It is about making consumer protections accessible to the people they were designed to serve.
“Success is creating systems that solve real-world problems at scale, especially in industries where individuals often lack support.”
After studying law at the University of Craiova, Ciochiu recognised that many regulations are difficult for ordinary people to use without guidance. That observation eventually led her to establish FlightHelp, a company dedicated to helping passengers navigate complex compensation regulations across Europe.
She believes one of the biggest misconceptions is that an airline’s first response is always the final answer.
“Passenger rights only matter if people are actually able to enforce them.”
According to Ciochiu, passengers should be particularly cautious when airlines reject claims by referring to “extraordinary circumstances.”
“Even when airlines cite extraordinary circumstances, passengers may still qualify for compensation depending on the actual facts surrounding the disruption,” Ciochiu explains. “Many travellers simply do not have access to the operational information needed to properly assess those decisions.”
She also notes that airlines rarely provide passengers with the detailed operational cause of a disruption in writing, making it difficult for individuals to determine whether a denial is fully supported by the facts.
“The real challenge is translating complex rules into practical solutions for everyday travellers.”
Rather than encouraging passengers to navigate complicated regulations alone, Ciochiu believes they should first understand what information to preserve and when to seek professional guidance.
Her work continues to focus on simplifying legal frameworks that many passengers find overwhelming.
She also encourages travellers to adopt a more organised approach whenever disruptions occur.
“I focus on action over emotion. Most challenges become manageable once you start moving through them.”
Why This Matters
Passenger awareness has become increasingly important as air travel continues to grow across Europe.
Recent figures highlight the scale of the issue:
More than 30 million passengers each year may qualify for compensation under EU261.
Less than 40% of eligible passengers submit claims, according to consumer research.
European air traffic has returned to near pre-pandemic volumes, increasing disruption risks during peak seasons.
Flight disruptions cost travellers significant time and money each year through missed connections, additional accommodation, transport expenses, and lost travel opportunities.
Ciochiu believes that improving passenger education benefits everyone by encouraging greater transparency and accountability throughout the aviation industry.
What Travellers Can Do Today
Ciochiu encourages passengers to take several practical steps after any significant flight disruption:
Keep boarding passes and booking confirmations.
Save emails and text messages received from the airline.
Record the actual arrival time at the final destination.
Keep receipts for any disruption-related expenses.
Document what airline staff communicate at the airport.
Learn the basics of EU261 passenger protections.
Seek professional guidance before accepting a rejected claim as final.
“Simple preparation can make a significant difference later,” says Ciochiu. “Passengers are in a much stronger position when they have complete information.”
Call to Action
Irina Ciochiu encourages travellers across Europe to learn about their passenger rights before they need them. Understanding the basics of EU261, keeping accurate travel records, and seeking professional guidance when claims become complex can help passengers make informed decisions following a flight disruption. Share this information with family, friends, and colleagues so more travellers are prepared before their next journey.
Irina Ciochiu is a Romanian entrepreneur and legal professional and the Founder of FlightHelp. With a legal background from the University of Craiova, she has built her career at the intersection of aviation, regulation, and consumer advocacy. Through FlightHelp, she helps passengers navigate complex passenger rights frameworks, including EU261, while promoting greater transparency, accountability, and awareness throughout the European aviation industry.
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