Semih
Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-09-18
One glance at the departures board, the red word «cancelled» – and suddenly the whole trip is in jeopardy. Around 2'000 cancelled flights during the recent British air traffic control outage showed just how quickly things can unravel. The good news: as a passenger departing from or travelling to Switzerland, you are well protected by law – if you know your rights. Here is the complete overview, without the legal jargon.
The foundation: EU Regulation 261/2004 also applies to Switzerland
Thanks to air transport agreements, the EU air passenger rights regulation generally also applies to flights departing from Switzerland, as well as to flights to Switzerland with EU/Swiss airlines. If your flight is cancelled, you always have the choice: a full refund of the ticket price within 7 days – or rerouting to your destination as early as possible. The airline must also look after you: meals, drinks, and if an overnight stay is required, hotel accommodation and transfers too.
Up to 600 Euro in compensation – when you are entitled to it
In addition to a refund or rebooking, you are entitled to fixed-rate compensation if the airline informed you less than 14 days before departure and no extraordinary circumstance applies: 250 Euro up to 1'500 km, 400 Euro up to 3'500 km, 600 Euro beyond that. Technical faults and staff shortages generally do NOT count as extraordinary – severe weather or an air traffic control disruption, on the other hand, do. That is why, in the case of the UK outage, there was usually no fixed compensation, though care and refunds were still due.
The 5 most important immediate steps at the airport
First: do not sign anything or accept a voucher before you know the alternatives – a voucher can reduce your claims. Second: collect evidence – cancellation SMS, boarding pass, receipts for food and hotel. Third: actively insist on being rebooked, including on other airlines. Fourth: ask for the reason for the cancellation in writing. Fifth: submit your compensation claim in writing within the deadline – in Switzerland, such claims can become time-barred quite quickly depending on the circumstances, so do not wait for months.
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