Košice, Slovakia’s second-largest city, is known for its historical charm, cobblestone streets, and a rich cultural heritage. However, if you find yourself stuck at Košice International Airport (KSC) due to a cancelled flight, your experience may not be as pleasant. Flight cancellations can disrupt travel plans, but knowing your rights can turn frustration into financial compensation.
Airlines cancel flights for several reasons, including:
Technical issues – Aircraft maintenance or mechanical failures.
Bad weather – Heavy fog, storms, or extreme conditions.
Airline staff shortages – Strikes or crew availability problems.
Operational reasons – Low passenger numbers or logistical challenges.
Air traffic control restrictions – Delays affecting multiple flights.
Regardless of the reason, if your flight was cancelled and the airline did not provide at least 14 days’ notice, you may be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation EC261/2004.
If your flight was cancelled and you were rebooked on a later flight, you may have the right to claim up to €600 per passenger, depending on the distance of your journey:
€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
However, compensation applies only if the cancellation was within the airline’s control. Extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or security risks do not qualify.
If your airline provided an alternative flight but it significantly delayed your arrival, you are still entitled to compensation. The payout depends on how late you arrived at your final destination:
2-3 hours delay – 50% of the compensation amount
3+ hours delay – Full compensation applies
Follow these steps to claim your rightful compensation:
Check Your Flight Eligibility – Use a compensation calculator online.
Gather Your Documents – Boarding passes, booking confirmation, and any communication with the airline.
Submit a Claim – You can contact the airline directly or use a claim service like Trouble Flight to handle the process efficiently.
Wait for Airline Response – Airlines must respond within a reasonable timeframe. If they refuse, you can escalate your case.
If your flight is cancelled and you need an urgent alternative, consider departing from another airport:
Bratislava Airport (BTS) – A 4-hour train journey from Košice, with frequent domestic and international flights.
Vienna International Airport (VIE) – Easily accessible from Košice by train (5 hours) or bus, offering more airline options.
Debrecen International Airport (DEB) in Hungary is a 2.5-hour drive away and may have flights operated by other airlines.
Poprad-Tatry Airport (TAT) – A small regional airport with seasonal flights, just a 1.5-hour drive from Košice.
Check for last-minute availability at these airports to find an alternative flight faster than waiting for the next one at KSC.
Under EC261, if your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer one of the following:
A full refund of your ticket price
Rebooking on the next available flight to your destination
An alternative route to your final destination at the earliest opportunity
Additionally, if you are stranded overnight, the airline must provide:
Free accommodation
Meals and refreshments
Transport to and from the hotel
If the airline does not offer these, keep your receipts and request reimbursement later.
In Slovakia, you have up to 3 years to file a claim for a cancelled flight. However, filing sooner improves your chances of success.
Košice International Airport serves multiple airlines, including:
Ryanair – Budget flights to destinations across Europe
Austrian Airlines – Direct flights to Vienna and beyond
LOT Polish Airlines – Connecting flights via Warsaw
Eurowings – Seasonal flights to Germany
Wizz Air – Low-cost routes to the UK and other European destinations
If you were booked with any of these airlines and your flight was cancelled, check your compensation eligibility today.
A cancelled flight in Košice doesn’t have to be a total disaster. You are entitled to compensation in many cases, and Trouble Flight makes it easy to claim. Don’t let airlines avoid paying what they owe you – check your eligibility today and claim up to €600!