Flight cancellations can be frustrating, especially when you're in a foreign country or on a tight schedule. If your flight has been cancelled in Sweden, whether departing from Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Malmö, you have rights under European air passenger regulations. The good news? You could be entitled to financial compensation of up to €600 per passenger.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dealing with a cancelled flight in Sweden, including compensation eligibility, alternative travel options, and practical tips for minimizing disruption.
There are several reasons why airlines cancel flights in Sweden, and understanding the cause can help you determine your rights. The most common reasons include:
Sweden is known for its harsh winters, with heavy snow, icy runways, and strong winds frequently causing flight disruptions. Airports like Stockholm Arlanda (ARN), Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT), and Malmö Airport (MMX) often experience weather-related delays and cancellations.
Strikes among airline employees, air traffic controllers, or ground staff can lead to widespread cancellations. Scandinavian airlines have had multiple strikes in recent years, affecting flights across Sweden.
Airlines sometimes cancel flights due to technical malfunctions or aircraft maintenance issues. While this can be frustrating, it could also mean you’re eligible for compensation under EC261/2004 regulations.
Swedish airports, especially Stockholm Arlanda and Gothenburg Landvetter, frequently deal with overbooked flights. If you’re denied boarding due to overbooking, you are entitled to compensation, just as with a cancellation.
Airlines sometimes cancel flights due to operational issues such as a lack of crew or scheduling errors. While they may try to blame "extraordinary circumstances," many of these cases qualify for compensation.
Yes! If your flight is cancelled in Sweden, you may be entitled to compensation under EC261/2004, the European air passenger rights regulation.
Here’s what you need to qualify:
✔️ The flight must have been departing from or arriving at an EU airport, meaning all Sweden-based flights qualify.
✔️ The airline must be responsible for the cancellation (e.g., technical issues, operational problems, overbooking).
✔️ You must have been informed of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
✔️ The delay caused by the cancellation must be at least 3 hours upon arrival at your final destination.
The compensation amount depends on the flight distance:
✈️ Flights under 1,500 km: Up to €250
✈️ Flights between 1,500-3,500 km: Up to €400
✈️ Flights over 3,500 km: Up to €600
This means if you were flying from Stockholm to London, you could claim up to €250. But if you were flying from Stockholm to New York, you could claim the full €600.
If your flight is cancelled in Sweden, you don’t have to be stranded at the airport. Here are some alternatives:
Most airlines will offer a new flight at no extra cost. You can request to be rebooked on the next available flight or even on a partner airline if your original airline doesn’t have an immediate alternative.
Sweden has several major airports, and you might find better options if you look beyond your original departure location:
Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) – The largest airport in Sweden with flights from all major airlines.
Stockholm Bromma (BMA) – A smaller airport, mainly for domestic and regional flights.
Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) – Sweden’s second-largest airport with flights across Europe.
Malmö Airport (MMX) – Ideal for finding flights to Denmark, Germany, or other European destinations.
If your flight from Stockholm Arlanda was cancelled, check for alternative departures from Bromma Airport, which is just a 30-minute drive away. Similarly, if you're flying from Gothenburg, you could explore flights from Copenhagen Airport (CPH), which is a 3-hour train ride from Malmö.
For short-haul destinations, you might consider taking Sweden’s high-speed trains operated by SJ or long-distance buses such as FlixBus. If you're traveling between Stockholm and Gothenburg, the train journey takes about 3 hours, making it a viable alternative if your flight is cancelled.
1️⃣ Stay Calm and Gather Information – Ask the airline about the reason for the cancellation and your rebooking options.
2️⃣ Check Your Compensation Eligibility – If the airline is responsible, you may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation.
3️⃣ Request Assistance – If you're stuck at the airport for several hours, airlines must provide free meals, drinks, and hotel accommodation if needed.
4️⃣ Explore Alternative Routes – Look for flights from nearby airports or consider train travel if possible.
5️⃣ File a Compensation Claim – Don't let the airline get away with it! You can claim compensation through Trouble Flight, and we’ll handle everything for you.
Filing a claim on your own can be complicated and time-consuming. Airlines often reject compensation requests or delay payouts. That’s where Trouble Flight comes in!
We make the process easy:
1️⃣ Submit Your Flight Details – Enter your cancelled flight information on our website.
2️⃣ We Handle Everything – Our experts will deal with the airline and legal procedures.
3️⃣ You Get Paid! – If your claim is successful, you’ll receive up to €600 directly into your account.
💡 No win, no fee! You don’t pay anything unless we secure your compensation.
A flight cancellation in Sweden can be stressful, but knowing your rights and options can turn the situation around. Whether you're flying from Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Malmö, make sure you check for compensation, request alternative travel, and claim what you’re owed.
Your cancelled flight might be worth up to €600! Submit your claim today and let Trouble Flight handle the rest.