Flight Cancelled in Croatia? Here’s How to Get Compensation and Find Alternatives

Your Flight Was Cancelled in Croatia – What Now?

Croatia is a stunning European destination known for its breathtaking coastline, historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split, and vibrant culture. However, like any major tourist hotspot, its airports—such as Zagreb (ZAG), Split (SPU), and Dubrovnik (DBV)—experience flight cancellations due to weather, strikes, or technical issues. If you’re facing a flight cancellation in Croatia, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600 under EU law.

Can You Get Compensation for a Cancelled Flight in Croatia?

If your flight was departing from or arriving in Croatia and was cancelled, EU Regulation 261/2004 protects your rights. You can claim compensation if:

• The airline informed you less than 14 days before departure.

• The cancellation was not due to extraordinary circumstances (such as extreme weather or airport strikes).

• Your flight was scheduled within the EU or operated by an EU airline from a non-EU country.

Here’s how much you can claim:

If the airline offers an alternative flight and the arrival time is significantly later than your original flight, you may still claim partial compensation.

Alternative Flights: Other Croatian Airports to Check

If your flight is cancelled and the airline offers no quick alternative, you might increase your chances by looking at departures from another Croatian airport.

1. Zagreb Airport (ZAG) – Croatia’s Main Hub

If you were flying from Split or Dubrovnik, consider checking flights from Zagreb, Croatia’s largest airport, which offers more connections and frequent departures with major European carriers.

➡ How to reach Zagreb Airport from other cities?

• From Split: Take a direct bus (4.5h) or a train (6h).

• From Dubrovnik: A domestic flight can be faster than a long bus ride (7h+).

2. Split Airport (SPU) – Alternative for the Dalmatian Coast

If you were supposed to fly from Dubrovnik, check Split Airport for flights, as it serves many of the same European destinations.

➡ How to reach Split Airport?

• A bus from Dubrovnik to Split takes about 4.5 hours.

• Domestic flights are available, and renting a car might also be an option.

3. Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) – A Smaller but Reliable Option

If your flight from Split was cancelled, Dubrovnik might have alternative options, especially for direct European flights.

➡ How to get from Split to Dubrovnik Airport?

• Bus (4.5 hours) along the scenic Adriatic coast.

• Domestic flights between the cities are also available.

What to Do at the Airport If Your Flight Is Cancelled?

A cancelled flight can be stressful, but knowing your rights can help you stay in control:

1. Speak to the airline – They must offer a replacement flight or a refund.

2. Ask for food & hotel vouchers – If you have to wait overnight, the airline must cover your costs.

3. Check alternative routes – Sometimes, taking a nearby airport can save time.

4. Save all travel documents – Boarding passes, emails, and receipts are crucial for compensation claims.

Weather and Flight Cancellations in Croatia

Croatia’s climate plays a major role in flight operations. While summer months (June–August) are generally stable, winter storms, Bora winds, and fog can lead to sudden cancellations.

The most affected routes include:

• Domestic flights between Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik

• International flights from Dubrovnik to London, Frankfurt, and Paris

• Seasonal routes to Greece and Spain

If your flight was cancelled due to bad weather, airlines aren’t obligated to provide compensation, but they must offer rebooking or a refund.

What If Your Flight Was Cancelled Due to an Airline Strike?

Airline strikes are not considered "extraordinary circumstances" unless they are caused by external factors. If a strike by airline staff (such as pilots or cabin crew) leads to a flight cancellation in Croatia, you are entitled to compensation.

Recent examples include:

• Lufthansa and Ryanair staff strikes affecting flights to and from Zagreb and Split.

• Croatia Airlines strikes in 2023, leading to multiple cancellations.

Always check with the airline, as some try to avoid compensation claims by blaming the strike on external factors.

How to Claim Compensation for a Cancelled Flight in Croatia

Claiming compensation doesn't have to be complicated. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Check eligibility – Was your flight cancelled within 14 days of departure?

2. Gather evidence – Keep boarding passes, cancellation emails, and receipts.

3. Submit a claim – You can do this directly with the airline or through a specialized service like Trouble Flight.

4. Follow up – Airlines might delay responses, so persistence is key.

➡ Why use Trouble Flight?

• No upfront costs – We handle the process and only take a small fee if you win.

• Higher success rates – Airlines are more likely to pay when experts handle claims.

• Fast and stress-free – No need to argue with customer service.

Final Tips for Passengers in Croatia

• If your Croatia Airlines flight is cancelled, check alternative flights with Lufthansa or Ryanair from the same or a nearby airport.

• If Zagreb flights are cancelled, try Vienna or Budapest, which are reachable by train or bus.

• If Dubrovnik flights are cancelled, consider a ferry to Italy for alternative travel options.

Get Your Compensation Today!

A flight cancellation can ruin your travel plans, but you don’t have to lose money over it. Check if you’re eligible for compensation now—you might be owed up to €600.

Don’t wait—your compensation claim won’t last forever!