Flight Cancelled in Alytus? Know Your Rights & Get Compensation

What to Do When Your Flight is Cancelled in Alytus

A flight cancellation can be frustrating and disruptive, especially if you’re traveling from or to a smaller city like Alytus. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor in Lithuania, understanding your rights and available options is essential to minimizing stress and financial loss. The good news? You could be entitled to compensation of up to €600 per passenger under EC261/2004 regulations.

Alytus itself does not have a commercial airport, but travelers often fly from nearby airports such as Kaunas Airport (KUN) or Vilnius Airport (VNO). If your flight was cancelled while traveling from or to Alytus, you need to know the next steps to take.

Why Was Your Flight Cancelled?

Airlines cancel flights for various reasons, but not all of them qualify for compensation. Here are some of the common causes of cancellations:

• Operational issues: Airline staffing problems, technical faults, or scheduling errors.

• Weather conditions: Severe storms or fog affecting safe operations.

• Air traffic control restrictions: Limited airspace or delays in flight clearances.

• Strikes: Airline staff or airport worker strikes disrupting operations.

• Security threats: Safety concerns that lead to flight cancellations.

If the cancellation was caused by airline-related issues (like technical faults or staffing problems), you are eligible for compensation. However, if the cause is classified as an "extraordinary circumstance" (such as extreme weather or security threats), airlines are not required to pay compensation.

Can You Claim Compensation for a Cancelled Flight?

Under EC261/2004, if your flight was cancelled and the airline did not provide at least 14 days' notice, you are legally entitled to compensation. The amount depends on the flight distance:

• €250 – Flights up to 1,500 km

• €400 – Flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km

• €600 – Flights over 3,500 km (if departing from the EU or arriving in the EU on an EU carrier)

If you were offered an alternative flight but arrived at your final destination much later than planned, you may still be eligible for compensation.

How to Reach Alternative Airports from Alytus

Since Alytus does not have its own airport, travelers typically use Kaunas Airport (KUN) or Vilnius Airport (VNO). If your flight was cancelled, you can try rebooking from these airports instead:

• Kaunas Airport (KUN): About 70 km from Alytus. You can reach it by bus or taxi in approximately 1 hour.

• Vilnius Airport (VNO): About 110 km away. There are frequent buses and train connections that take around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Check with your airline if they can reroute you through another airport at no additional cost—many airlines provide this service when a flight is cancelled.

Your Rights When a Flight is Cancelled

In addition to compensation, you have certain rights that airlines must uphold:

1. Right to Assistance

If you are stuck due to a cancelled flight, the airline must provide:

• Meals and refreshments.

• Hotel accommodation (if the wait extends overnight).

• Transportation between the airport and your hotel.

• Two free communications (calls or emails).

2. Right to an Alternative Flight or Refund

• You can choose between a full refund or an alternative flight.

• If you select a new flight but it is significantly delayed, you may still claim compensation.

How to Claim Compensation for Your Cancelled Flight

If your flight from or to Alytus was cancelled, follow these steps to claim compensation:

1. Keep all travel documents – Boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any email notifications from the airline.

2. Ask the airline why the flight was cancelled – Airlines must provide a clear reason.

3. Request an alternative flight or refund – Do this at the airline’s customer service desk or via their website.

4. Document everything – Take photos of airport screens displaying cancellations, keep receipts of extra expenses, and save any airline correspondence.

5. File your claim – Use Trouble Flight to check eligibility and submit your claim quickly and hassle-free.

Don’t Let a Flight Cancellation in Alytus Ruin Your Plans

Flight cancellations can be stressful, but you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you need compensation, alternative travel options, or assistance with a claim, knowing your rights helps you take control of the situation. If your airline owes you money, make sure you get it—don’t leave up to €600 unclaimed!

Got a cancelled flight in Alytus? Start your claim today and get the compensation you deserve!