Flight Cancelled in Bern? Know Your Rights and Claim Compensation

What to Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled in Bern

Flying from Bern Airport (BRN) and your flight got cancelled? Don’t panic—this situation can be frustrating, but you may be eligible for compensation under EU261 regulations. Whether you’re a tourist visiting the charming Swiss capital or a business traveler, here’s what you need to know.

Understanding Flight Cancellations at Bern Airport

Bern Airport, also known as Bern-Belp Airport, is a small but efficient international airport serving Switzerland’s capital. Although it doesn’t handle as many flights as Zurich or Geneva, cancellations still happen due to weather conditions, airline operational issues, or technical faults.

If your flight from Bern was cancelled, the airline must inform you in advance. If they failed to notify you at least 14 days before departure, you might be entitled to up to €600 in compensation—even if they offer you an alternative flight.

Am I Entitled to Compensation for My Cancelled Flight?

Here’s what determines whether you can claim compensation under EU261:

✅ Your flight departed from Bern Airport (or another EU airport)
✅ The airline cancelled the flight less than 14 days before departure
✅ The cancellation was not due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., extreme weather, airport strikes)
✅ The airline failed to provide an alternative flight within a reasonable timeframe

If your case meets these conditions, you can file a claim and receive between €250 and €600 per passenger, depending on the distance of your journey.

Alternative Travel Options from Bern After a Flight Cancellation

Bern Airport has limited flight connections compared to major Swiss hubs like Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Geneva Airport (GVA). If your flight is cancelled, consider checking departures from these larger airports:

1. Zurich Airport (ZRH)

📍 Distance from Bern: ~125 km
🚆 Train: Direct trains from Bern to Zurich Airport take about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
🚌 Bus: Private shuttle services operate between Bern and Zurich Airport.
🚗 Car Rental: Available at Bern Airport if you prefer to drive.

2. Geneva Airport (GVA)

📍 Distance from Bern: ~160 km
🚆 Train: The Swiss Rail (SBB) provides direct connections in less than 2 hours.
🚌 Bus: Some bus services operate directly between Bern and Geneva Airport.
🚗 Car Rental: Easily available at Bern-Belp Airport or city centers.

By transferring to one of these airports, you increase your chances of finding an alternative flight with another airline, reducing delays to your travel plans.

Your Rights: What the Airline Must Offer You

Under EU261, when your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you:

• A full refund OR an alternative flight at no extra cost

• Meals and refreshments while waiting for a new flight

• Hotel accommodation (if the new flight departs the next day)

• Transport to and from the hotel

Airlines might try to avoid paying compensation by blaming "extraordinary circumstances." However, not all excuses are valid. Technical faults, crew shortages, or operational issues are NOT extraordinary and entitle you to compensation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Claim Compensation

If your flight from Bern was cancelled and meets the conditions, follow these steps:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

• Boarding pass or flight confirmation

• Any written communication from the airline about the cancellation

• Receipts for extra expenses (meals, hotel stays)

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

Enter your flight details into our compensation calculator to see how much money you can claim.

Step 3: File Your Claim

Submit your claim directly to the airline. If they ignore or reject it without valid reasons, let Trouble Flight handle it. We deal with airlines directly and ensure you get what you're owed.

Step 4: Get Paid

Once approved, you’ll receive up to €600 per passenger straight to your bank account.

How Weather Affects Flight Cancellations in Bern

Bern’s location in Switzerland means that fog, snow, and icy conditions can disrupt flights, especially in winter. While weather-related cancellations do not qualify for compensation, the airline must still offer an alternative flight or a refund.

However, if other airlines were flying from Bern at the same time without cancellation, it’s worth challenging the airline’s excuse. Airlines sometimes misuse "bad weather" as an excuse to avoid paying out.

Which Airlines Operate at Bern Airport?

Flights from Bern are mainly served by:
✈️ Helvetic Airways (seasonal and charter flights)
✈️ SkyAlps (routes to Italy and Austria)
✈️ Swiss International Air Lines (limited connections)

If your flight was with one of these airlines and got cancelled last minute, check if they have alternative routes or flights from Zurich or Geneva.

What If I Miss My Connection Due to a Cancelled Flight?

If your flight from Bern was part of a multi-leg journey and the cancellation caused you to miss your connection, you can still claim compensation under EU law.

Example:
🛫 Bern → Munich → New York (flight cancelled in Bern)
🛬 If you missed your long-haul flight, the airline must offer rebooking or compensation.

Even if your connecting flight was outside Europe, your rights still apply if your journey started in Bern under a single booking.

Final Tips: Protect Yourself from Flight Cancellations

• Book flights with airlines that have multiple daily routes (e.g., Swiss, Lufthansa)

• Check real-time flight status via Bern Airport's website

• Consider travel insurance to cover hotel and alternative travel costs

• Use Trouble Flight to claim compensation easily

If your flight from Bern was cancelled, you could be entitled to up to €600 per passenger. Don’t let airlines avoid paying you—claim your money today!