Flight Cancelled in Sardinia? Your Rights & How to Get Compensation

Why Are Flights to and from Sardinia Often Cancelled?

Sardinia, a Mediterranean paradise known for its stunning beaches and rich history, is well-connected to major European cities. However, flight cancellations are a common issue due to various factors, including:

• Weather Conditions: Strong winds, storms, and fog frequently disrupt flights, especially in winter.

• Operational Issues: Staff shortages, airline strikes, and technical malfunctions can lead to last-minute cancellations.

• Seasonal Overload: During summer, airports like Cagliari Elmas (CAG), Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB), and Alghero-Fertilia (AHO) struggle with high passenger traffic, increasing delays and cancellations.

• Air Traffic Control Strikes: Italy is known for frequent ATC strikes, affecting flights across the country, including Sardinia.

Regardless of the reason, if your flight was cancelled, you might be entitled to compensation under EU law!

What to Do If Your Flight to or from Sardinia Is Cancelled?

A cancelled flight can ruin your travel plans, but taking the right steps can help you claim compensation and find an alternative way to reach your destination.

1. Confirm the Reason for Cancellation

The airline must provide an explanation. If the cancellation was due to "extraordinary circumstances" (like extreme weather or terrorism), compensation might not be available. However, if it was due to airline staff shortages or technical faults, you could be eligible for up to €600.

2. Ask for a Rebooking or Refund

You can demand either:

• A full refund, even if your ticket was non-refundable.

• A rebooking on the next available flight, even with another airline.

If no flights are available from your original airport, consider flying from another Sardinian airport:

• If you were departing from Cagliari, check flights from Olbia or Alghero.

• If your Olbia flight was cancelled, Alghero might have options.

• For Alghero cancellations, Cagliari is the next best alternative.

💡 Getting to another airport:

• A train from Cagliari to Olbia takes around 3.5 hours.

• A bus from Olbia to Alghero takes around 2 hours.

• Car rentals and taxis are also available, often covered by the airline if they rebook you from another airport.

3. Keep All Documents

Save your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any emails from the airline. You will need these for your compensation claim.

4. Ask for Meals & Accommodation

If your flight was cancelled and you’re stuck overnight, the airline must provide free meals, drinks, and hotel accommodation. If they don’t offer it automatically, ask!

5. Check Your Compensation Eligibility

Under EU Regulation EC261, you may claim:

• €250 for flights under 1,500 km

• €400 for flights between 1,500–3,500 km

• €600 for flights over 3,500 km outside the EU

This applies unless the airline proves the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.

How to Claim Compensation for a Cancelled Flight in Sardinia

1. Check If You Qualify

Your flight must meet these conditions:
✅ The airline is EU-based or the flight departed from an EU airport.
✅ You were not informed of the cancellation at least 14 days in advance.
✅ The reason was within the airline's control (not weather or political issues).

2. Submit a Compensation Claim

You can claim directly with the airline, but many delay or reject requests. Instead, use a specialized service like Trouble Flight, which maximizes your chances of getting paid quickly and hassle-free.

3. Receive Your Money

If approved, compensation is paid directly to your bank account. The process usually takes a few weeks, but legal action may be needed if the airline refuses.

Sardinia’s Airports & Alternative Flight Options

If your flight from Sardinia is cancelled and rebooking is impossible, consider alternative routes:

✈ Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) – Main hub for flights to Rome, Milan, and European destinations. If stranded, check Olbia or Alghero for options.

✈ Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) – Mostly serves summer flights. If stuck, try Alghero or take a ferry to mainland Italy.

✈ Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO) – Smaller airport but still has flights to Spain, France, and mainland Italy. If your flight is cancelled, consider traveling to Cagliari for more options.

🚢 Ferries to Italy: If no flights are available, ferries from Olbia or Porto Torres connect to Rome, Genoa, and Naples.

💡 Pro Tip: If you urgently need to leave Sardinia, checking both flights and ferries can save you time and stress!

Passengers’ Rights: Don’t Let Airlines Avoid Paying!

Some airlines may try to avoid paying compensation by:
❌ Claiming the cancellation was due to bad weather (even when it wasn’t).
❌ Offering only a voucher instead of a full refund.
❌ Refusing to book you on another airline, even when seats are available.

Fight Back & Get Your Money!

Trouble Flight specializes in getting compensation for passengers like you. Our team will handle everything—from paperwork to legal action—so you don’t have to deal with airline excuses.

💰 Don’t let airlines keep money that belongs to you! File your claim today and get up to €600!

Final Thoughts: A Cancelled Flight in Sardinia Doesn’t Have to Ruin Your Trip

Sardinia is a breathtaking island, but flight cancellations can be a nightmare. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, knowing your rights ensures you don’t lose money or time unnecessarily.

If your flight was cancelled, take action:
✅ Claim your compensation (up to €600).
✅ Explore alternative routes from other Sardinian airports.
✅ Get airline-provided meals & hotel stays if stranded.

Don’t let airlines get away with it! Submit your claim now and get the money you deserve.