Craiova, a vibrant city in Romania, is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks. With Craiova International Airport (CRA) serving as a key travel hub in the Oltenia region, many travelers rely on its operations to connect to destinations across Europe and beyond. However, flight cancellations can disrupt your plans, leaving you stressed and frustrated. If you recently experienced a flight cancellation at Craiova International Airport, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600 under EC261 regulations. Here’s what you need to know.
Flight cancellations can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
Weather conditions: Fog, heavy rain, or snow can make takeoffs and landings unsafe.
Technical issues: Aircraft maintenance problems can lead to last-minute cancellations.
Airline staff shortages: Strikes or scheduling problems among airline crew can disrupt operations.
Operational challenges: Overbooking, air traffic congestion, or unexpected delays elsewhere can cascade into cancellations.
Whatever the reason, it’s essential to know your rights as a passenger and how to act when your travel plans are interrupted.
If your flight from Craiova is cancelled, follow these steps to protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving compensation:
Confirm the reason for cancellation: Speak to the airline staff and request written confirmation of the cancellation and the reason behind it.
Collect relevant documents: Keep your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any communication from the airline.
Ask for assistance: Airlines are required to provide meals, refreshments, and accommodation (if necessary) while you wait for alternative travel arrangements.
Explore alternative options: Consider flying from other nearby airports, such as Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), which offers a broader range of destinations and airlines. From Craiova, you can reach Bucharest by car, bus, or train in approximately three hours.
Under EC261 regulations, passengers are entitled to compensation if:
The flight was cancelled less than 14 days before the scheduled departure.
The airline is responsible for the cancellation (e.g., operational or technical issues).
You were departing from an EU airport or arriving in the EU on an EU-based airline.
Compensation amounts vary based on the distance of the flight:
€250 for flights up to 1,500 km.
€400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km.
€600 for flights over 3,500 km.
It’s important to note that extraordinary circumstances such as extreme weather or political unrest may exempt airlines from paying compensation.
Claiming compensation can be a straightforward process if you follow these steps:
Use an online compensation calculator or consult experts in passenger rights to determine if your case qualifies under EC261. Trouble Flight offers a free eligibility check to simplify the process.
You can file a claim directly with the airline or use a professional service like Trouble Flight to handle the process on your behalf. If you choose the latter, you’ll benefit from:
Expertise in handling complex cases.
No upfront fees—you only pay if your claim is successful.
Faster resolutions, as we take care of all communication with the airline.
Once submitted, monitor the status of your claim. Airlines are obligated to respond within a reasonable timeframe, but delays in processing are not uncommon.
If your flight from Craiova is cancelled and you’re unable to rebook quickly, consider exploring flights from nearby airports. Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Romania, providing numerous daily connections to international destinations. Alternatively, Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport (TSR) is another option, especially for flights within Europe.
Here’s how you can reach Bucharest from Craiova:
By car: Drive along the E70 highway for a direct route.
By train: Romanian Railways (CFR) offers regular train services between Craiova and Bucharest.
By bus: Several bus companies operate daily routes to Bucharest.
While you can’t control every aspect of travel, these tips can help you minimize the risk of cancellations:
Book early morning flights: These are less likely to be delayed or cancelled compared to later flights.
Stay updated: Use flight-tracking apps to monitor your flight’s status in real-time.
Choose reliable airlines: Research airline performance and customer reviews before booking.
Flight cancellations can be frustrating, but they don’t have to mean financial loss. If your flight from Craiova was cancelled, you could be entitled to compensation of up to €600. Trouble Flight specializes in helping passengers get the money they deserve quickly and hassle-free.
Take action today and turn your cancelled flight into an opportunity. Check your eligibility and file your claim with Trouble Flight. Don’t let the airline keep what’s rightfully yours!