Flight delays and cancellations can be frustrating, but not every disrupted flight qualifies for compensation. Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, passengers have the right to compensation if the airline is responsible for the delay or cancellation. However, there are specific situations where Wizz Air is not obligated to provide compensation.
In this guide, we’ll explain when Wizz Air is exempt from paying compensation, so you know what to expect before filing a claim.
Situations Where Wizz Air Is Not Required to Pay Compensation
1. Extraordinary Circumstances
Wizz Air is not responsible for compensation if the delay or cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances—events beyond the airline’s control. These include:
- Severe weather conditions (storms, heavy snow, hurricanes)
- Political instability (wars, riots, civil unrest)
- Security risks (terrorist threats, bomb scares)
- Air traffic control restrictions (airport closures, strikes by air traffic controllers)
- Unexpected flight safety issues (e.g., sudden bird strikes)
- Medical emergencies (passenger health incidents requiring emergency landing)
💡 Important Note:
Even in extraordinary circumstances, Wizz Air must still provide assistance (meals, hotel stays, and rebooking options) but is not required to pay financial compensation.
2. Delays Under 3 Hours
According to EU Regulation EC 261/2004, compensation is only granted for flights that arrive at least 3 hours later than scheduled. If your delay is less than 3 hours, you are not eligible for compensation.
✅ Example:
- Your Wizz Air flight was scheduled to arrive at 14:00, but it landed at 16:45.
- Since the delay is less than 3 hours, no compensation is owed.
3. Flight Cancellations with Advance Notice
If Wizz Air cancels your flight but notifies you at least 14 days before departure, they are not required to pay compensation.
✅ Example:
- Your flight scheduled for May 20th is canceled.
- You receive a notification from Wizz Air on May 1st.
- Since you were notified more than 14 days in advance, you are not eligible for compensation.
🔹 However, you are still entitled to a full refund or an alternative flight.
4. Alternative Flight with Minimal Delay
If Wizz Air cancels your flight but offers a suitable alternative flight, your compensation rights may be reduced or removed.
🚀 Compensation is reduced by 50% if the replacement flight arrives close to the original arrival time:
| Flight Distance | Original Arrival Time | Alternative Flight Arrival Time | Compensation Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | 09:00 AM | Before 10:30 AM | -50% |
| 1,500–3,500 km | 09:00 AM | Before 11:00 AM | -50% |
| 3,500+ km (outside EU) | 09:00 AM | Before 12:00 PM | -50% |
🔹 If Wizz Air offers an alternative flight that lands within these timeframes, you may receive only half of the standard compensation amount or nothing at all.
5. Voluntary Flight Changes by the Passenger
If you voluntarily change your flight or accept vouchers or travel credits instead of monetary compensation, Wizz Air is not obligated to pay additional compensation.
✅ Example:
- Your flight is delayed by 4 hours, and Wizz Air offers you a €250 travel voucher as a goodwill gesture.
- If you accept the voucher, you waive your right to a monetary claim.
What You Are Still Entitled To
Even if Wizz Air is not required to pay financial compensation, you still have certain passenger rights:
✅ Rebooking on another flight or a full refund for canceled flights
✅ Meals and refreshments for delays of 2+ hours
✅ Hotel accommodation if the delay requires an overnight stay
✅ Transport to and from the airport if an overnight stay is necessary
💡 Tip: Always keep your receipts if you need to pay for meals or hotels due to a delay—you may be reimbursed later.
Wizz Air is not required to pay compensation in cases of extraordinary circumstances, minor delays, or when passengers are notified of cancellations well in advance. However, even in these situations, you are still entitled to alternative flights, refunds, and assistance.
If you believe your case qualifies for compensation, always check your rights before accepting vouchers or alternative flights.
📢 Have you experienced a disrupted Wizz Air flight? Check your eligibility and claim your compensation today! 🚀