Ryanair publishes details of cancelled flights ... and here's what you might be entitled to

Customers affected will be emailed offers of alternatives or full refunds and details of their compensation entitlement, the budget airline confirmed.

• Why Ryanair staff are entitled to a holiday but you aren't

It faces a compensation bill of up to 20 million euro (£17.7 million) for the "mess" which has left many passengers stranded, boss Michael O'Leary said.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary during a press conference in Dublin where he has admitted the cancellation of flights due to pilot holidays is "a mess". Picture: PA

The Dublin-based carrier is shelving up to 50 flights daily over the next six weeks due to the over-allocation of pilots' holidays during a relatively busy period.

They have been listed on www.ryanair.com and cover the period up to October 28.

Had your flight cancelled? Here's what you can expect

Passengers whose flights have been cancelled may be entitled to compensation.

Here are some of the key questions around the claims process:

• What rules apply?

EU law protects passengers whose flights are delayed or cancelled under the Denied Boarding Regulation.

This applies to flights either departing from an EU airport or those that are both arriving at an EU airport and operated by an EU airline, such as Ryanair.

• Are passengers entitled to a refund?

Yes, passengers can claim a refund from the airline. If they have booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, they can also claim the full cost of the return ticket.

• What if a passenger still wants to travel?

Ryanair must offer an alternative flight as soon as possible after the cancelled flight. This will be "at worse" on the following day, Ryanair said.

• Do they get any assistance while they wait?

Delayed passengers are entitled to claim reasonable expenditure for food, soft drinks, phone calls and accommodation.

• What about compensation?

If less than 14 days notice is given for a cancellation, airline travellers can claim up to 250 euros (£221) under EU regulation 261, depending on the timing of the alternative flight.

Customers given more warning are not entitled to a payout.

• Is compensation automatic?

No, disrupted passengers must write a letter of complaint to the airline. They should keep as much evidence as they can, such as boarding cards and receipts to claim expenses.

• A template letter can be found on the website of consumer watchdog Which?