Flight Cancelled in Warsaw – What to Do Next?

What to Do If Your Flight is Cancelled in Warsaw?

Flight cancellations are always frustrating, but if you’re stuck in Warsaw, you still have options. Whether you’re departing from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) or Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI), knowing your rights and possible alternatives can save you time and money.

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, airlines must compensate passengers for cancellations that aren’t due to extraordinary circumstances. If your flight was cancelled last minute, you could be entitled to up to €600 in compensation.

Why Do Flights Get Cancelled in Warsaw?

1. Bad Weather Conditions

Warsaw experiences harsh winters with heavy snowfall and strong winds, often leading to flight disruptions. Even in summer, thunderstorms can cause delays or cancellations.

2. Technical Issues

Airlines sometimes cancel flights due to technical malfunctions or maintenance issues. If the cancellation is due to a preventable issue, you may be eligible for compensation.

3. Airline Staff Strikes

Strikes by pilots, cabin crew, or air traffic controllers can lead to mass cancellations at Warsaw’s airports. If the airline staff is responsible, you might have a valid compensation claim.

4. Overbooking

Airlines frequently sell more tickets than available seats. If your flight is cancelled because of overbooking, insist on compensation and an alternative flight.

Alternative Flights from Warsaw’s Airports

Warsaw has two main airports:

• Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) – the largest and busiest airport in Poland, handling major international airlines.

• Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) – mainly serves low-cost airlines like Ryanair.

If your flight is cancelled at Chopin Airport, check for departures from Modlin Airport, and vice versa. Many flights operate between these two hubs, sometimes with different airlines.

How to Get from Chopin Airport to Modlin Airport?

If you need to transfer between these two airports, here are your options:

• Train & Bus: Take the SKM S3 train from Chopin Airport to Warsaw Central Station, then transfer to a ModlinBus to reach Modlin Airport in about 1 hour 15 minutes.

• Taxi: A direct taxi ride between the two airports takes around 40-50 minutes and costs approximately €50.

• Car Rental: If you have time between flights, renting a car can provide flexibility.

How to Claim Compensation for a Cancelled Flight in Warsaw?

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

• Was your flight cancelled within 14 days of departure?

• Was the cancellation due to an airline’s fault (not weather or airport strikes)?

• Did your flight originate from the EU or was operated by an EU airline?

If you answered yes to these questions, you could be entitled to up to €600.

Step 2: Collect Evidence

• Keep your boarding pass and ticket.

• Ask the airline for a written confirmation of cancellation.

• Save any receipts for extra expenses (hotel, food, taxis, etc.) if you were stranded.

Step 3: Submit Your Claim

• Contact the airline directly.

• Use an air passenger rights service like Trouble Flight to handle the claim for you.

• If necessary, escalate your claim to the Polish Civil Aviation Authority.

Airlines Operating in Warsaw & Their Compensation Policies

Some of the airlines frequently flying from Warsaw include:

• LOT Polish Airlines (national carrier)

• Ryanair (low-cost)

• Wizz Air (low-cost)

• Lufthansa, KLM, Air France (major European airlines)

Each airline has different cancellation policies, but all must adhere to EU261 regulations. If they refuse to compensate you, you can still fight for your rights.

What to Do If You’re Stranded in Warsaw Due to a Cancellation?

If your flight is cancelled and you have to stay overnight, airlines must provide:

• A hotel stay (if the next available flight is the following day)

• Food & drinks (during long waits)

• Transport to and from the hotel

Best Hotels Near Warsaw Chopin Airport

• Courtyard by Marriott Warsaw Airport (directly opposite the terminal)

• Hampton by Hilton Warsaw Airport (5-minute drive, free shuttle)

Best Hotels Near Warsaw Modlin Airport

• Hotel Mazovia Airport Modlin (5 minutes away, shuttle available)

• Royal Hotel Modlin (historical building, 10 minutes away)

If the airline refuses to cover your stay, keep the receipts—you might be able to claim reimbursement.

Enjoy Warsaw While Waiting for Your Next Flight

A cancelled flight doesn’t mean wasted time. Warsaw is a beautiful city with plenty to explore:

• Old Town (Stare Miasto): A UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning medieval architecture.

• Lazienki Park: A picturesque park with palaces and lakes, perfect for a relaxing walk.

• Palace of Culture and Science: One of the most iconic buildings in Poland, offering panoramic views of the city.

• Warsaw Uprising Museum: Learn about Poland’s heroic resistance during WWII.

You can store your luggage at the airport and take a quick train to the city center in just 20 minutes!

Final Thoughts: Get the Compensation You Deserve!

Don’t let a flight cancellation ruin your trip. If you’ve been stranded in Warsaw due to a cancelled flight, you could be entitled to compensation. Up to €600 per passenger is possible, depending on your flight distance and delay.

Use Trouble Flight to claim what’s yours. We handle the entire process, ensuring you get the maximum compensation without the hassle.

Claim now and get the money you deserve!