Flight cancellations and closed airspace – what the war in Ukraine means for air passengers
Key Points about “Flight cancellations in Ukraine”
- Explains passenger rights during flight cancellations caused by war or conflict.
- Discusses airline responsibilities to offer alternative flights or refunds.
- Explains how to claim compensation for cancellations under EU regulation.
- Offers advice for passengers to stay informed and prepare for delays.
- Provides links to additional resources for travel during conflict.
You had a flight delay or a flight cancellation? Check your rights now and increase your chances of compensation
The war in Ukraine is a terrible event. And even though it could not sound more banal in view of the situation, there are nevertheless questions in this context that air travellers must now ask themselves. What if a flight is cancelled due to war? Can I claim a ticket refund? The answers can be found in the following blog article.
My flight was cancelled
Can I get my money back if my flight is cancelled due to war?
It is not only a flight to Russia or Ukraine that can be affected by cancellations due to the current situation. War is considered an extraordinary circumstance, which means that it is not the airline’s fault if your flight does not take place. You cannot claim compensation in this situation, but you can claim a ticket refund from the airline.
Flight cancelled due to Ukraine conflict – These are your rights
You have a right to:
- A refund of the full price of the flight ticket
- Rebook your trip so that you arrive at your destination at a different time
- a voucher for at least the same amount as the original ticket.
I have not heard from the airline about the status of my flight
If your flight has been cancelled and you have not heard from the airline, you should proactively ask here. However, keep in mind that currently no one can know when the situation in Ukraine will improve. Therefore, the airlines cannot yet give you any precise information about your flights with regard to some journeys.
Since the airspace over Europe is closed for Russian airlines, you must expect a cancellation for planned flights with one of these airlines.
However, with these Ukrainian and Russian airlines, it is very likely that your flight will be affected:
- Aero-Charter Airlines
- Aeromist-kharkiv
- AeroSvit
- Air Alanna
- Air Urga
- Bravo Airways
- Dart Ukrainian Airlines
- Dniproavia
- Donbassaero
- JONIKA
- Motor Sich Airlines
- SkyUp
- Ukraine International
- WINDROSE Aviation company
- Wizz Air Ukraine
- Yanair
- Utair
- Aeroflot
- Pobeda
- Russiya
- Iraero
But it is not only Ukrainian and Russian airlines that may experience flight cancellations due to the war. Currently, there are no flights to Belarus, Ukraine or Moldova. Of course, these restrictions also affect airlines such as Lufthansa, Wizzair or Ryanair.
My flight is delayed
Since, among other things, the airspace over Ukraine and Russia is closed, flights between Europe and Asia in particular may be delayed. If your flight is delayed due to the war in Ukraine, you are not entitled to compensation. An armed conflict is considered an extraordinary circumstance and is therefore beyond the control of the airlines.
Travel – Guidelines
If you are planning to travel to Russia or Ukraine within the next few months, be sure to visit the State Department’s website. There you will find travel advice for all countries affected by the conflict.
How can we help?
Need help with your ticket? Our air passenger rights experts are here to help. You can check your ticket refund claims free of charge here.
Tip: Flightright helps you enforce your air passenger rights! With us, you can check your claims free of charge in two minutes. ✔️Easy, ✔️fast & without ✔️risk
According to the EU Passenger Rights Regulation, passengers are entitled to compensation in the event of a delay, cancellation, overbooking, or missed connection. You can claim up to 600 euros of compensation per person (minus commission fee). This compensation is independent of the ticket price. Flightright enforces your right for you. If necessary also in court.