Flight delays and cancellations are the most common issues experienced by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU Regulation 261/2004, which ensures that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU 261/2004 outlines the conditions under which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance during flight disruption.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and in which situations you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers flying to or from Zurich Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights when facing significant cancellations or delays. These rights include:
- Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper meals and beverages during the waiting period.
- Access to means of communication: Passengers should be provided two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- Hotel accommodation if necessary: When an overnight stay is necessary, the airline is required to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers may choose between a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
- Compensation: Depending on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers could qualify for financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Zurich Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Flyers experiencing flight delays at Zurich Airport may be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The eligibility for compensation is determined by the reason for the delay and whether it adheres to UK and EU laws. The amount of compensation is calculated on the time of arrival at the destination rather than departure time and is influenced by the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay.
| Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
| €0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
| €0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
Keep in mind that airlines are not obligated to provide compensation for delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Zurich Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Zurich Airport, under EU Regulation 261, passengers are eligible to get compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
Nevertheless, there are exceptions to this law. The airline might be exempt from compensating passengers if it provides an alternative flight that meets specific criteria, letting you arrive at your destination with the minimal delay possible:
| Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
| 14 Days | None |
| 7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
| Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
Financial compensation may still be available even though you accept an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is calculated by the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay. You can check this table to figure out the compensation amount you are entitled to:
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
Keep in mind that airlines usually don’t offer compensation for flight cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Which Zurich Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
If you are departing from an airport within the European Union and flying with an airline flight originating in the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation ensures that you have certain rights in case of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and related issues. Here’s a more detailed table of what situations are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Zurich Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Zurich Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Zurich Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Zurich Airport
Flight cancellations and delays often occur due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at Zurich Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.