Verona, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and the legendary story of Romeo and Juliet, is a popular travel destination. However, a flight delay at Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) can quickly turn your trip into a frustrating experience. If you’ve faced an unexpected delay, you might be entitled to compensation of up to €600 under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s everything you need to know about your rights and how to claim what you deserve.
Several factors contribute to flight delays at Verona Airport:
Weather Conditions: Fog and winter storms often affect flight schedules.
Air Traffic Congestion: Being a key airport in northern Italy, VRN handles a high volume of flights.
Technical Issues: Aircraft maintenance problems can cause long delays.
Strikes: Airline staff and air traffic control strikes frequently impact operations.
Understanding the cause of your delay is crucial as it determines whether you are eligible for compensation.
If your flight is delayed by three hours or more, and the airline is responsible (not due to extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or security risks), you can claim compensation under EU261/2004. The amount you can receive depends on the distance of your flight:
€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
The good news? This regulation applies to all flights departing from Verona, no matter the airline. If your flight arrives in Verona from a non-EU country, the airline must be EU-based to be eligible.
If you find yourself stuck at Verona Villafranca Airport due to a delayed flight, follow these steps to protect your rights:
Ask the airline to provide an official statement confirming the reason for the delay. This will be crucial when filing a compensation claim.
Save your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any emails or texts from the airline regarding the delay.
If the delay exceeds two hours, the airline must provide you with:
Meals and refreshments
Hotel accommodation (if the delay extends overnight)
Transport between the airport and your accommodation
Take screenshots of the departure board showing the delay. If the delay extends beyond three hours, you can claim compensation.
With Trouble Flight, claiming compensation is simple. Enter your flight details, and we’ll handle the legal process for you—no hassle, no upfront costs.
Many travelers passing through Verona are on connecting flights. If your initial flight was delayed, causing you to miss your next flight, you may still be eligible for compensation if both flights were part of the same booking. The total delay at your final destination must exceed three hours to qualify.
If your flight delay is severe and you need to reach your destination urgently, consider these alternatives:
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) – Just 90 minutes from Verona by train or bus, Venice Airport offers a wide range of international connections.
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) – About two hours away, Bologna’s airport might have alternative flights to your destination.
Italy’s high-speed trains can be a great alternative. If your delay is indefinite, check Trenitalia or Italo for routes to major cities.
Some airlines experience frequent delays in Verona. Based on passenger reports, the following carriers have a higher-than-average delay rate:
Ryanair
Wizz Air
Alitalia (ITA Airways)
Lufthansa
EasyJet
If your flight with one of these airlines was delayed, check your eligibility for compensation immediately.
Under Italian law, passengers have up to two years to file a claim for flight delays. However, it’s best to act as soon as possible to strengthen your case.
Don’t let a delayed flight ruin your trip! If your flight was delayed at Verona Villafranca Airport, you might be entitled to up to €600 in compensation. Trouble Flight will handle your claim, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.