Zielona Góra, a charming city in western Poland, offers travelers a gateway to both domestic and international destinations via Zielona Góra-Babimost Airport (IEG). However, like any airport, flight cancellations can disrupt travel plans, leaving passengers stranded and unsure of their next steps. If your flight has been cancelled in Zielona Góra, you may be entitled to compensation under European Regulation EC261/2004.
Flight cancellations can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
Adverse weather conditions – Heavy fog or snow can cause delays and cancellations.
Technical issues – Aircraft malfunctions may lead to unexpected flight cancellations.
Strikes – Airline staff, air traffic controllers, or airport workers going on strike can impact flights.
Operational reasons – Airlines sometimes cancel flights due to low passenger numbers or scheduling conflicts.
Airport constraints – Zielona Góra-Babimost Airport is relatively small, meaning limited flight rescheduling options.
Under EC261/2004, passengers whose flights have been cancelled may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation. Here’s how it works:
To qualify for compensation:
The airline must be at fault – Cancellations due to airline operational decisions qualify, while extreme weather does not.
You were informed less than 14 days before departure – Airlines must notify passengers at least two weeks in advance if they want to avoid paying compensation.
The flight was from or to an EU airport – Zielona Góra’s airport qualifies under EC261 as an EU departure point.
Depending on the distance of your flight, you could receive:
€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
If your flight was cancelled, you also have the right to either a refund or an alternative flight, plus food, accommodation, and transportation if needed.
If your flight is cancelled and you need to find another way to travel, consider these alternatives:
Zielona Góra-Babimost Airport has a limited number of flights. If your flight is cancelled, consider looking for alternative flights from:
Poznań-Ławica Airport (POZ) – Around 100 km away, with a wider selection of flights.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) – 200 km away, offering numerous international connections.
You can reach these airports by train, bus, or car rental. If your airline doesn’t arrange transport, it may be worth contacting them to request assistance.
For short-haul trips, train services to major Polish cities like Poznań, Wrocław, or Warsaw may be a practical alternative. Long-distance buses also operate between Zielona Góra and Berlin.
If your flight is cancelled, follow these steps:
Confirm the reason for cancellation – Ask the airline why your flight was cancelled and get it in writing.
Request an alternative flight – Airlines should offer a new flight or a full refund.
Claim compensation – If the cancellation was the airline’s fault, claim up to €600.
Ask for accommodation – If stranded overnight, the airline must provide you with a hotel and meals.
Bad weather is considered an “extraordinary circumstance,” meaning airlines are not obligated to pay compensation. However, they must still provide an alternative flight or a refund.
Yes, if the strike involves airline staff, you are entitled to compensation. Strikes by air traffic control or airport workers, however, are usually considered beyond the airline’s control.
Most claims are resolved within a few weeks to a few months, depending on whether the airline disputes the claim.
If your flight was cancelled in Zielona Góra, don’t miss out on up to €600 in compensation. Start your claim today and get what you’re owed!