Graubünden, Switzerland’s largest and most picturesque canton, is famous for its alpine landscapes, luxury ski resorts like St. Moritz and Davos, and a strong tourism industry. Whether you were traveling for a ski holiday, a business trip, or just passing through, a cancelled flight can throw everything off track.
If your flight from Samedan Airport (SMV) or another regional airport in Graubünden was cancelled, don’t worry. You might be entitled to up to €600 in compensation under EU Regulation EC261/2004.
Flights from Graubünden are typically operated by private jets, small regional airlines, and seasonal charter flights. However, cancellations are still common due to:
Severe Weather – Graubünden’s alpine location means frequent snowstorms, high winds, and fog can lead to last-minute cancellations.
Technical Issues – Smaller airports have fewer aircraft available, so a technical problem can result in cancellations.
Airline Strikes – Swiss, Austrian, and German airline strikes can affect flights in and out of Graubünden.
Low Passenger Demand – Some flights get cancelled if they are not profitable for the airline.
Regardless of the reason, if your airline cancelled the flight for a reason within their control, you may be eligible for compensation.
Under EU Regulation EC261/2004, you have the right to claim compensation if:
✔️ Your flight was departing from a Swiss airport like Samedan (SMV), Zurich (ZRH), or Bern (BRN).
✔️ The airline cancelled the flight less than 14 days before departure.
✔️ The cancellation was not caused by extraordinary circumstances (such as extreme weather or political instability).
The amount of compensation depends on the distance of your flight:
Flight Distance | Compensation Amount |
---|---|
Under 1,500 km | €250 |
1,500 - 3,500 km | €400 |
Over 3,500 km | €600 |
💡 Example: If your flight from Samedan to Zurich was cancelled, you may be eligible for €250. If your flight was from Samedan to London or Berlin, you could claim €400.
Since Samedan Airport (SMV) is a small airport catering mainly to private jets and charter flights, rebooking may be difficult. If your flight was cancelled, consider checking flights from alternative airports:
✈ Zurich Airport (ZRH) – Switzerland’s largest international airport, approximately 2 hours from Chur by train.
✈ Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Italy – A great option if you’re near the southern part of Graubünden, just 3 hours away by train and bus.
✈ Innsbruck Airport (INN), Austria – A good alternative for travelers in the Davos or St. Moritz region, 2.5 hours away.
If your flight was cancelled at Samedan Airport or another regional airport, the best way to reach Zurich Airport is by train:
🚆 Samedan to Zurich Airport – 3-hour train ride with a transfer at Chur.
🚆 Davos to Zurich Airport – 2.5-hour train journey via Landquart.
🚆 Chur to Zurich Airport – 1 hour and 30 minutes by direct train.
If you need to switch to another airport, check with your airline first—they may cover the cost of transportation.
If your flight is cancelled, you have the right to:
1️⃣ A Full Refund – If you no longer want to travel, the airline must refund your ticket.
2️⃣ A Free Rebooking – The airline should rebook you on the next available flight at no extra charge.
3️⃣ Compensation (Up to €600) – If the cancellation was the airline’s fault, you can claim compensation on top of your refund or rebooking.
📌 Important: Airlines may offer travel vouchers instead of cash refunds. You do not have to accept a voucher! You’re legally entitled to money back.
Many airlines try to avoid compensation by blaming "extraordinary circumstances," such as:
Heavy snowstorms or fog
Air traffic control restrictions
Political instability or natural disasters
⚠ Be aware! Not every cancellation qualifies as "extraordinary." If the airline had control over the situation (e.g., mechanical issues, staff shortages, or operational decisions), they must pay compensation.
If your flight was cancelled, follow these steps to protect your rights:
✅ Ask for a Written Explanation – Request a written statement from the airline explaining the reason for the cancellation.
✅ Keep Your Ticket & Receipts – These documents help when filing a claim.
✅ Check Alternative Flights – If the airline doesn’t offer a suitable alternative, look at other airports nearby.
✅ Claim Your Compensation – If your flight was cancelled due to airline responsibility, claim up to €600 in compensation.
Filing a compensation claim can be frustrating. Airlines often ignore emails, delay payments, or deny legitimate claims. Instead of dealing with the hassle, Trouble Flight takes care of everything for you:
✔ We check your eligibility for free.
✔ We handle all negotiations with the airline.
✔ You receive your compensation—hassle-free.
If your flight from Graubünden was cancelled, don’t let the airline avoid paying you what you’re owed. Check if you're eligible for up to €600 in compensation today!