If you’ve experienced a flight cancellation in Prague, you might feel stranded and uncertain about your next steps. Whether your flight was set to depart from Václav Havel Airport (PRG) or you were due to land in the Czech capital, cancellations can cause significant disruptions. However, you could be entitled to financial compensation of up to €600 under EU Regulation 261/2004. Let’s break down what you need to do and how to make sure you don’t miss out on compensation.
Flights can be cancelled for numerous reasons, some of which make you eligible for compensation, while others may not. Here are the most common reasons airlines cancel flights:
Bad Weather: Severe storms, snow, or strong winds can ground flights.
Technical Issues: If the airline has mechanical problems, they might have to cancel the flight.
Strikes: Airline staff or air traffic control strikes can disrupt schedules.
Operational Problems: Overbooking, crew shortages, or scheduling issues.
Extraordinary Circumstances: Natural disasters, political instability, or airport shutdowns.
If your flight was cancelled due to reasons within the airline’s control, such as technical issues, operational errors, or crew shortages, you qualify for compensation under EU261/2004.
You may be entitled to compensation if:
Your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
The airline is responsible for the cancellation (not weather or extraordinary circumstances).
Your flight departed from an EU airport (Prague included) or was operated by an EU airline.
The amount you can claim depends on the distance of your flight:
Up to 1,500 km: €250
1,500 km – 3,500 km: €400
Over 3,500 km: €600
For example, if your flight from Prague to London was cancelled and you arrived later than three hours, you may be entitled to €250. If your flight was long-haul, such as Prague to New York, you could claim €600.
Use our free flight checker to see if you can claim compensation. All you need is your flight number and date of travel.
Under EU law, the airline must offer you one of the following options:
A full refund.
A rebooking on the next available flight (even with another airline if necessary).
A rebooking at a later date of your choice.
If you are stuck at Prague Airport, check if flights are available from Brno-Tuřany Airport (BRQ), about 200 km away. You can reach Brno from Prague by train in under 3 hours, and it may offer more flight options with alternative carriers.
If your cancellation led to extra expenses—such as hotel stays, food, or transport—keep your receipts. You can request reimbursement from the airline.
Many airlines avoid paying compensation unless passengers formally claim it. Don’t let them get away with it—submit your claim today.
If your flight is cancelled at Václav Havel Airport (PRG), you might find alternatives at:
Brno-Tuřany Airport (BRQ): Serves domestic and international flights.
Dresden Airport (DRS): Just across the border in Germany, about 2 hours from Prague.
Vienna International Airport (VIE): A major hub, 3.5 hours from Prague.
How to Reach These Airports?
Brno: Take a train from Prague’s main station (Hlavní nádraží) – about 2.5 hours.
Dresden: Direct trains and buses take around 2 hours.
Vienna: Frequent trains and buses take 3-4 hours.
Checking flights from these airports could help you reach your destination faster.
While waiting for your next flight, here are some ways to make the best of your time at Václav Havel Airport:
If your flight is delayed for several hours, consider accessing one of Prague Airport’s lounges. Mastercard Lounge and Erste Premier Lounge offer food, drinks, and showers.
If you have more than 6 hours, explore Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, or Prague Castle—all within 30 minutes of the airport by taxi or public transport.
If your flight was cancelled overnight, you may be eligible for a hotel stay covered by the airline. Some great options include:
Courtyard by Marriott Prague Airport (walking distance)
Holiday Inn Prague Airport (free shuttle service)
Each country sets different deadlines for filing a claim. For flights from Prague (Czech Republic), you have up to 3 years to claim. However, airlines often delay responses, so start your claim ASAP.
Airlines don’t always inform passengers about their rights. If your flight was cancelled in Prague, don’t let the airline avoid paying what you’re owed. You could be entitled to €250 - €600 in compensation.
Submit your claim in just 3 minutes—no paperwork, no hassle, just money in your pocket!