Flight cancellations can happen to anyone — whether due to bad weather, technical problems, or air traffic restrictions. If your flight with Austrian Airlines is cancelled, you’re protected under EU Regulation 261/2004, which ensures that passengers receive care, assistance, and, when possible, alternative travel options to reach their destination.
Here’s everything you need to know about your rebooking rights when Austrian Airlines cancels your flight.
Check your compensation online.
What Happens if Your Austrian Airlines Flight Is Cancelled?
When Austrian Airlines cancels a flight, the airline must contact you, usually via email.
You’ll be informed about the reason for cancellation and the available options.
According to EU flight compensation rules, Austrian must offer you a choice between:
- Alternative travel options (rebooking) – flight (or other transport) to your destination at the earliest opportunity; or
- A full refund of your unused ticket.
Alternative Travel Options with Austrian Airlines
If you choose to continue your journey, Austrian Airlines will rebook you on the next available flight to your destination — either on an Austrian-operated flight or, if needed, on a partner airline to get you there as quickly as possible.
What this means for you:
- You won’t pay any extra fees for the rebooking.
- The airline must offer you the earliest available flight.
- You can also choose to travel at a later date, whether that’s a day or two later or even further in the future.
If no immediate flight is available and your destination is relatively close, Austrian Airlines may arrange travel with another carrier or provide suitable ground transportation, such as a bus or train.
Tip: Always check your new flight details carefully and confirm them through the Austrian Airlines website or mobile app.
Austrian Airlines Codeshare/Partner Flights
If your booking includes a codeshare flight — for instance, one operated by Lufthansa, Swiss, or another partner — the operating airline is responsible for providing care, alternative travel options and compensation.
This means that even if your ticket was purchased through Austrian, the airline that actually flew (or cancelled) the plane will handle your rebooking/refund and compensation claim.
Example: If you book your flight through Austrian Airlines, but it’s operated by Lufthansa, here’s how it works:
- The operating airline (in this case, Lufthansa) is responsible for the flight’s operation — meaning it handles the aircraft, crew, schedule changes, and cancellations.
- However, the marketing airline (Austrian, the one you bought your ticket from) is responsible for communicating with you, because they have your contact details from the booking.
In most cases:
- Austrian Airlines will send you the cancellation or change notification via email, since you booked with them.
- The details in that message (such as the new flight or refund options) will come from information provided by Lufthansa, the operating airline.
- Sometimes, both airlines may contact you — Austrian as the ticketing airline, and Lufthansa as the operating carrier — especially if you’re enrolled in either airline’s frequent flyer program or app.
Right to Care – While You Wait
If you are at the airport when cancellation happens, you are entitled to care while you wait for your alternative travel option.
For waits spanning three hours or more that occur during the day, Austrian must provide you with complimentary meals and refreshments. You also get access to two free options for communication – be it phone calls, emails, or faxes. These privileges are offered via coupons.
If the wait is overnight, Austrian will provide you with a free hotel stay and airport transfers in addition to food and drinks.
Read more: Right to Care
Refunds Instead of Rebooking
If the flight cancellation disrupts your plans and you decide not to travel, you can request a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket.
Refunds are usually processed to your original payment method within a few business days. If Austrian offers you a voucher, remember that you’re not required to accept it — you can ask for a cash refund instead.
Can You Claim Compensation?
In addition to alternative travel options or a refund, you may also be entitled to flight cancellation compensation — unless the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as:
- Severe weather conditions
- Air traffic control restrictions
- Political instability or security risks
If the cancellation was within Austrian Airlines’ control (for example, technical or operational reasons) and you were informed less than 14 days before departure, you may be eligible for:
- €250 for flights up to 1,500 km
- €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
- €600 for flights over 3,500 km
This is called a last-minute flight cancellation.
You can file a claim directly through Austrian Airlines’ compensation form on their official website. Or work with a flight compensation company. Our partners offer such services. Claim compensation today!
Check your compensation online.
Featured photo by Johannes Plenio from Pexels