Flight Delayed in Poland? Know Your Rights & Claim Compensation!

Traveling by air can be unpredictable, and delays are a common inconvenience for passengers flying to or from Poland. Whether you're stranded at Warsaw Chopin Airport, Kraków-Balice, or Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport, it's important to know your rights when facing flight delays. In many cases, you may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s everything you need to know about flight delays in Poland and how you can claim what you’re owed.

Why Are Flights Delayed in Poland?

There are several reasons why flights get delayed in Poland. Some of the most common include:

• Weather conditions – Poland experiences harsh winters with snow and fog, especially in cities like Warsaw and Katowice, causing flight disruptions.

• Air traffic congestion – Airports like Warsaw Chopin are major transit hubs, leading to high air traffic and occasional delays.

• Technical issues – Aircraft maintenance and technical problems can ground flights unexpectedly.

• Strikes – Air traffic controller or airline staff strikes can lead to widespread delays.

• Security threats or emergencies – These can cause sudden interruptions to flight schedules.

Regardless of the reason, if your flight was delayed for more than three hours, you may have a right to compensation.

Are You Entitled to Compensation?

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers on flights departing from any Polish airport or arriving in Poland on an EU-based airline can claim compensation for delays exceeding three hours, provided the delay is not due to extraordinary circumstances such as extreme weather or security threats.

The compensation amounts are as follows:

• €250 – Flights up to 1,500 km (e.g., Warsaw to Berlin)

• €400 – Flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km (e.g., Kraków to Madrid)

• €600 – Flights over 3,500 km (e.g., Gdańsk to New York)

If your flight was delayed overnight, the airline is required to provide you with hotel accommodation and meals. Keep your receipts, as they can be reimbursed.

What to Do If Your Flight Is Delayed in Poland?

If you find yourself stuck at a Polish airport due to a delayed flight, follow these steps:

1. Check the reason for the delay – Speak with airline staff and request a written confirmation of the cause.

2. Keep all documents – Hold onto your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any receipts for food, accommodation, or transportation.

3. Document the delay – Take a screenshot of the departure board showing your delayed flight.

4. Ask for assistance – If the delay extends beyond two hours, the airline should offer meals and refreshments.

5. Submit a compensation claim – If your flight meets the criteria, file a claim with the airline or let Trouble Flight handle the process for you.

How Long Does It Take to Get Compensation?

Once you submit your claim, the airline has up to two months to respond. Some airlines may delay payments or reject claims unfairly. That’s why using a professional service like Trouble Flight increases your chances of getting paid quickly.

Flight Delayed in Poland? Here’s What to Do at Major Airports

Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)

As Poland’s largest and busiest airport, Warsaw Chopin sees frequent delays. If your flight is delayed:

• Head to Terminal A for airline help desks.

• Take advantage of the airport’s free Wi-Fi to check updates.

• If stuck overnight, nearby hotels like Courtyard by Marriott Warsaw Airport offer quick accommodation.

Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK)

Kraków’s airport, though smaller, also faces seasonal delays. If delayed:

• Relax in the Business Lounge for comfort.

• If your flight is severely disrupted, consider alternative routes via Katowice Airport, just 1.5 hours away by shuttle.

Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN)

Gdańsk Airport is a key international hub for Northern Poland. If delayed:

• Use the airport’s Mobile Info Service to check rebooking options.

• Alternative flights from Poznań Airport (POZ) may be available.

Airlines with Frequent Delays in Poland

Some airlines are known for higher delays at Polish airports. Based on reports, the following have had frequent flight delays in the past year:

• Ryanair

• LOT Polish Airlines

• Wizz Air

• Lufthansa

• KLM

If you flew with any of these airlines and faced a delay, check if you’re eligible for compensation!

Can You Get a Refund Instead of Compensation?

Compensation and refunds are different. You’re only entitled to a refund if your flight is delayed by more than five hours and you decide not to travel. Otherwise, compensation applies for delays over three hours.

Get Your Money Back for a Delayed Flight in Poland

If your flight was delayed in Poland, you could claim up to €600 per passenger. Don't let airlines avoid their responsibility—Trouble Flight makes the process easy. Check your eligibility today and get what you deserve!

If you’ve faced a delay in Poland recently, click below to start your claim instantly!