Flight Cancelled St. Gallen – What You Need to Know & How to Claim Compensation

Flight Cancelled in St. Gallen? Here’s What to Do Next

Flight cancellations can be frustrating, especially when you’re stranded at a small regional airport like St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport (ACH) in Switzerland. Whether you were traveling for business, leisure, or an important event, a sudden disruption can throw all your plans into chaos.

If your flight from St. Gallen was cancelled, don’t panic! You may be entitled to financial compensation of up to €600 under EU Regulation EC261/2004. Keep reading to find out your rights, what alternative options you have, and how to claim your money.

Why Do Flights Get Cancelled in St. Gallen?

St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport is a small yet important airport serving eastern Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and parts of Austria. While it provides a convenient gateway to the region, flights here are sometimes cancelled due to:

• Weather Conditions – The airport is close to Lake Constance, making it prone to fog and low visibility.

• Operational Issues – Small airports have fewer alternative aircraft, meaning a technical issue can lead to cancellations.

• Airline Strikes – Strikes by pilots, cabin crew, or air traffic controllers can ground flights.

• Low Passenger Numbers – Some regional flights may be cancelled if airlines decide it’s not profitable to operate them.

If your flight was cancelled for reasons within the airline’s control, you may be eligible for compensation!

Can You Get Compensation for a Cancelled Flight in St. Gallen?

Yes! Under EU Regulation EC261/2004, you have the right to claim compensation if:

✔️ Your flight was departing from St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport (ACH) or arriving in the EU with a European airline.
✔️ The airline cancelled the flight less than 14 days before departure.
✔️ The airline is responsible for the cancellation (e.g., technical issues, crew shortages, or operational problems).

How Much Compensation Can You Get?

The amount you can claim depends on the distance of your flight:

💡 Example: If your flight from St. Gallen to Vienna (VIE) was cancelled, you could claim €250. If you were flying to London (LHR) or Berlin (BER), you may be eligible for €400.

Alternative Airports Near St. Gallen

Since St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport is small, finding another flight may be challenging. If your airline doesn’t offer a replacement flight soon, consider departing from a nearby airport:

✈ Zurich Airport (ZRH) – Switzerland’s largest airport is just 1.5 hours away by train. It offers multiple daily flights to destinations across Europe and beyond.
✈ Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH), Germany – A small airport on the German side of Lake Constance, reachable in under 1 hour by ferry.
✈ Memmingen Airport (FMM), Germany – A budget-friendly option for Ryanair and Wizz Air flights, approximately 2 hours by train and bus.

How to Get to Zurich Airport from St. Gallen

If your flight was cancelled and you need an alternative route, take a direct train from St. Gallen to Zurich Airport. Trains run every 30 minutes, and the journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Your Rights: Rebooking, Refunds & Compensation

If your flight was cancelled, you have three options:

1️⃣ Get a Full Refund – The airline must refund your ticket if you no longer wish to travel.
2️⃣ Request an Alternative Flight – The airline should book you on the next available flight at no extra cost.
3️⃣ Claim Compensation (Up to €600) – If the cancellation was the airline’s fault, you can claim compensation on top of your refund or rebooking.

📌 Important: If your airline offers a voucher instead of a refund, you don’t have to accept it. You’re legally entitled to a cash refund.

What If the Airline Blames "Extraordinary Circumstances"?

Airlines often try to avoid paying compensation by claiming "extraordinary circumstances." This includes severe weather, airport strikes, or air traffic control restrictions.

⚠ But be careful! Not all cancellations qualify as extraordinary. If the airline could have avoided the issue (e.g., maintenance problems, overbooking, or crew shortages), you still have a right to compensation.

How to Claim Compensation for a Cancelled Flight in St. Gallen

Claiming compensation can be a long and frustrating process if you do it alone. Airlines may ignore your emails, reject your claim, or delay payments for months.

That’s where Trouble Flight comes in! We handle everything for you:

✔ We check your eligibility for free.
✔ We handle all negotiations with the airline.
✔ You get your money—fast and hassle-free.

Start Your Claim Now

If your flight from St. Gallen was cancelled, don’t leave money on the table! Check if you're eligible for up to €600 in compensation.