Lithuania, with its growing aviation sector, serves as a key hub for travelers in the Baltic region. The main international gateways—Vilnius International Airport (VNO), Kaunas Airport (KUN), and Palanga Airport (PLQ)—connect passengers to major European destinations. However, like any busy air corridor, flight delays are not uncommon.
If your flight departing from or arriving in Lithuania was delayed for more than three hours, you may be eligible for financial compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. This law protects passengers from unnecessary inconvenience due to airline mismanagement.
Delays happen for many reasons, but some of the most common causes include:
Adverse Weather Conditions – Heavy fog, storms, or snow can disrupt flight schedules, especially during the winter months.
Technical Issues – Aircraft maintenance problems can lead to prolonged waiting times before takeoff.
Air Traffic Congestion – Lithuania’s airports are growing in passenger numbers, and increased traffic can result in scheduling conflicts.
Strikes and Airline Staffing Issues – If pilots or ground staff go on strike, operations slow down or halt completely.
Security Concerns – Additional security checks or emergencies may lead to unexpected delays.
If your flight was delayed for three hours or more and the airline is responsible, you could be entitled to:
Delay Time | Compensation Amount (per passenger) |
---|---|
3+ Hours (Less than 1500 km) | €250 |
3+ Hours (1500-3500 km) | €400 |
3+ Hours (Over 3500 km, EU to non-EU) | €600 |
This applies whether you’re traveling for business or leisure. Importantly, your rights remain valid for up to six years, meaning you can still claim for past delays.
If you find yourself stuck in a Lithuanian airport due to a delay, follow these steps to strengthen your compensation claim:
Ask the airline for an official explanation. Airlines sometimes try to classify delays under extraordinary circumstances (like severe weather) to avoid paying compensation.
These documents are essential for proving that you were on the affected flight.
If the airline provides food, accommodation, or other services, keep all receipts. This is useful evidence when claiming compensation.
If you’re at Vilnius International Airport (VNO) and your flight is significantly delayed, consider alternative departures from Kaunas Airport (KUN), which is just 100 km away. You can take a bus or train from Vilnius to Kaunas in around 1.5 hours and check if other airlines are operating the same route.
Instead of dealing with the airline’s bureaucracy, let Trouble Flight handle your claim. Our experts maximize your chances of getting up to €600 hassle-free.
The length of a delay depends on the cause, but Lithuania’s aviation authority monitors airlines to ensure passengers are not unnecessarily stranded.
Short Delays (1-2 Hours): Airlines usually don’t provide compensation for minor delays but must still keep you informed.
Moderate Delays (3+ Hours): You are entitled to refreshments, meals, and internet access at the airport.
Long Delays (5+ Hours): You can choose to cancel your flight and get a full refund, or take the next available flight at no extra cost.
If you’re flying from or to Lithuania, here are the airports you need to know:
Lithuania’s busiest airport, handling over 5 million passengers annually.
Direct flights to major European cities like London, Berlin, and Paris.
Offers lounges, fast-track security, and free WiFi for stranded passengers.
A major Ryanair hub, ideal for budget travelers.
Located about 100 km from Vilnius; accessible by train or shuttle.
Flights to the UK, Germany, and Scandinavian countries.
Serves the western region of Lithuania, including the coastal city of Klaipėda.
Limited routes but offers flights to Norway, Denmark, and Poland.
Yes! If your delayed flight in Lithuania caused you to miss a connecting flight, you may still be eligible for compensation. The key requirements:
Your entire trip must be booked under one reservation.
The delay must have exceeded three hours at your final destination.
The airline operating the delayed flight must be based in the EU (or departing from an EU airport).
For example, if you were flying Vilnius → Amsterdam → New York and missed your Amsterdam-to-New York connection due to a delay in Vilnius, you could claim compensation.
Some airlines deny compensation claims, hoping passengers will give up. If this happens:
Trouble Flight will handle all legal steps for free—you only pay if we win!
We work with experienced aviation lawyers to challenge airline refusals.
We ensure fair treatment for every passenger under EU law.
A flight delay in Lithuania is frustrating, but EU law protects your rights. Instead of wasting hours arguing with airlines, let Trouble Flight fight for the €600 compensation you deserve.
It takes just three minutes to check your eligibility—enter your flight details now and claim what’s rightfully yours.