Affected passengers should now know exactly what their rights are and demand them consistently.
Entitlement to reimbursement - also as a cash benefit
Wizz Air announces that it will only offer "Wizz Credits" as a refund. However, according to the EU Passenger Rights Regulation (EC 261/2004), passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price in cash, by bank transfer or credit card - not just in the form of vouchers. So if a WizzAir voucher is not practical because the airline will no longer be departing or landing from Vienna in the future, travelers have the right to a refund by bank transfer.
Compensation in the event of cancellation at short notice
If flights are canceled less than 14 days before the scheduled departure, travelers are also entitled to compensation payments of up to 600 euros - depending on the flight distance.
Rebookings: Vienna remains the place of departure or destination, if desired
Rebookings to flights to/from Bratislava or Budapest are only permitted if the passengers concerned expressly agree to this and Wizz Air covers all travel costs to these destinations. In principle, the airline is obliged to organize equivalent alternative transport for passengers from/to Vienna - also with other airlines.
What those affected should do now
- Apply in writing to Wizz Air Customer Service for a refund in cash or for alternative transportation from/to Vienna if the alternatives are not practicable
- Insist on reimbursement by bank transfer if no travel credit is desired
- Claim compensation payments for cancellations at short notice
- If no agreement is reached with the airline, the Agency for Passenger Rights will mediate free of charge and without commission
If those affected are not successful with the airline, the claim can also be submitted via the Agency for Passenger Rights (apf) using the online dispute resolution form.