Flight Cancelled in Poland? Here’s How to Get Compensation

Understanding Flight Cancellations in Poland

Flying to or from Poland and dealing with a cancelled flight? Whether you were supposed to depart from Warsaw Chopin Airport, Kraków John Paul II International Airport, or any other major Polish airport, unexpected cancellations can turn your travel plans into chaos. But don’t worry—if your flight was cancelled, you could be entitled to compensation under EC261/2004, the European passenger rights regulation.

Poland, being a key travel hub in Central Europe, experiences a high volume of flights every day. Airlines such as LOT Polish Airlines, Ryanair, and Wizz Air operate thousands of flights to and from Polish cities. However, delays and cancellations are common due to weather, technical issues, or operational problems. If your flight was cancelled, you have legal rights that airlines must respect.

When Can You Get Compensation for a Cancelled Flight in Poland?

Under EC261/2004, you can claim compensation if:

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

• The flight was departing from or arriving in Poland with an EU airline.

• The reason for cancellation was within the airline’s control (e.g., technical issues, operational problems, staff strikes within the airline).

Compensation Amounts You Can Claim

The amount you can claim depends on the distance of your flight:

• €250 for flights up to 1,500 km (e.g., Warsaw to Berlin).

• €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km (e.g., Kraków to Madrid).

• €600 for flights over 3,500 km (e.g., Warsaw to New York).

If your flight was cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances like extreme weather or political instability, the airline is not required to pay compensation. However, you’re still entitled to care, including meals, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary.

What to Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled in Poland

1. Check Your Flight Status

If you are at the airport and suspect a cancellation, check the airline’s website, airport screens, or contact the airline directly.

2. Ask for an Alternative Flight or a Refund

If your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you either an alternative flight to your destination or a full refund.

• If your airline offers an alternative flight, you are entitled to meals and accommodation if you need to wait overnight.

• If you prefer a refund, you can choose not to travel and claim your ticket cost back.

3. Keep All Receipts and Documents

If your flight was cancelled and you had to book hotels, food, or alternative transport, keep all receipts. These expenses can be reimbursed by the airline.

4. Check If You Qualify for Compensation

Not all cancellations qualify for compensation, but many do. If you were notified less than 14 days before departure and the cancellation was the airline’s fault, you can claim up to €600.

Alternative Airports in Poland – What You Can Do

If your flight from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) is cancelled, check Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) for alternative flights, especially with low-cost carriers like Ryanair. You can take a direct train or a shuttle bus from the city center to reach Modlin.

For travellers flying from Kraków, Katowice Airport (KTW) is just 90 minutes away and may have available flights with other airlines.

If your flight from Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN) was cancelled, check Poznań-Ławica Airport (POZ), which has regular connections to major European cities.

How to Claim Compensation for a Cancelled Flight in Poland

Step 1: Gather Your Flight Details

You will need:

• Your flight number

• Your boarding pass or ticket confirmation

• Any communication from the airline about the cancellation

Step 2: File a Claim with the Airline

Most airlines have an online claim form, but they might delay or refuse to pay. If that happens, Trouble Flight can handle your claim and ensure you receive your rightful compensation.

Step 3: Let Trouble Flight Handle the Rest

We take care of the legal process and ensure that you get up to €600 if your claim is valid. The best part? You don’t pay anything unless you win!

Common Reasons Airlines Cancel Flights in Poland

Airlines may cancel flights for several reasons, including:

• Operational Issues – Such as crew shortages or aircraft technical failures.

• Weather Conditions – Heavy fog, snow, or storms are common in Poland, especially in winter.

• Air Traffic Control Restrictions – Sometimes, European airspace gets congested, leading to last-minute cancellations.

• Airline Strikes – If airline staff go on strike, flights may be cancelled or delayed.

Passengers’ Rights: Additional Benefits

Even if you don’t qualify for financial compensation, you still have rights under EC261:

• Reimbursement for meals and accommodation if you need to stay overnight.

• Access to communication (free calls, emails, or messages).

• Alternative flights at no extra cost.

Airlines Operating in Poland – Know Their Policies

Some airlines operating in Poland may handle cancellations differently. Here’s what you need to know:

LOT Polish Airlines

As Poland’s national carrier, LOT is subject to EU regulations. If your LOT flight is cancelled, you can rebook, get a refund, or claim compensation if eligible.

Ryanair & Wizz Air

These budget airlines operate heavily in Poland. They are known for last-minute cancellations, but they must pay compensation under EC261 if the cancellation was their fault.

Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, and British Airways

These airlines operate international routes to and from Poland. If your flight is cancelled, check for alternative flights with partner airlines in their alliances.

Final Thoughts – Don’t Miss Out on Your Compensation!

If your flight was cancelled in Poland, you might be entitled to a compensation of up to €600. Airlines don’t always inform you of your rights, so take action today! Trouble Flight makes the process easy, risk-free, and ensures that you get what you’re owed.

Check your eligibility now and claim your compensation!