When your flight gets delayed in Ljubljana, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it can disrupt your entire travel itinerary, cost you money, and leave you stranded in an unfamiliar place. But did you know that under EU Regulation 261/2004, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600? Here’s everything you need to know about your rights, how to claim compensation, and what to do if you’re stuck at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) due to a long delay.
Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia, is served by its main international airport, Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU). Located about 26 km from the city center, this airport connects Slovenia to major European destinations. While generally efficient, delays do happen—especially due to weather conditions in winter, air traffic control strikes, or technical issues with airlines.
If you find yourself stuck at Ljubljana Airport due to a delayed flight, knowing your passenger rights can make all the difference.
If your flight from Ljubljana was delayed for more than three hours, you could be entitled to financial compensation. According to EU 261/2004, passengers may claim between €250 and €600 depending on the flight distance and delay duration. However, the reason for the delay must be within the airline’s control—things like technical problems or operational mismanagement. Bad weather, airport strikes, or air traffic restrictions, however, may not qualify.
The amount of compensation depends on your flight distance:
€250 – Flights up to 1,500 km (e.g., Ljubljana to Munich, Vienna, or Milan)
€400 – Flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km (e.g., Ljubljana to London, Madrid, Istanbul)
€600 – Flights over 3,500 km (e.g., Ljubljana to Dubai, New York)
If you experienced an overnight delay, the airline is also required to cover hotel accommodation and meals until they can get you on another flight.
If your flight from Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport is delayed, follow these steps to improve your chances of getting compensation:
Make sure your delay reaches the 3-hour mark before taking action.
Airlines will often try to avoid paying compensation by blaming “extraordinary circumstances.” Ask the airline staff for the official reason for the delay and request a written confirmation.
Hold on to your boarding pass, ticket, receipts, and booking confirmation—you’ll need these to support your compensation claim.
If your delay is more than 2 hours, airlines must provide you with food and drinks. If your flight is delayed overnight, they must offer a hotel stay and transport to and from the airport.
You can claim compensation online. Airlines often make this process difficult, but services like Trouble Flight handle everything for you, ensuring you get the money you’re owed—without the stress.
If your flight from Ljubljana is severely delayed or canceled, you might want to explore alternative options:
Graz Airport (Austria) – About 2 hours by car
Zagreb Airport (Croatia) – About 1.5 hours by car
Trieste Airport (Italy) – About 1.5 hours by car
If your airline offers re-routing, ask them if they can book you on a flight from one of these airports.
Slovenia has excellent train and bus connections to nearby countries. If your delay is indefinite, a train to Vienna or Munich could be an alternative to waiting at the airport.
Stuck in Ljubljana for a few hours? Instead of sitting at the airport, take a short trip to the city center. You can visit Prešeren Square, Ljubljana Castle, or enjoy a coffee by the Ljubljanica River.
If bad weather was the cause, you won’t be eligible for compensation under EU 261. However, airlines must still provide accommodation and meals if your delay lasts several hours.
No! As long as your flight was departing from Ljubljana (EU airport) or arriving in the EU on a European airline, you are covered under EU 261/2004.
If you accepted a voucher, you might have waived your right to cash compensation. Always insist on cash or let Trouble Flight handle your claim.
Don’t let a delayed flight in Ljubljana ruin your plans. If your flight was delayed by more than 3 hours, you could be entitled to up to €600.
Check your compensation now and claim what’s rightfully yours!