Swiss cancels summer flights - What rights do those affected have?

The Swiss airline Swiss has announced that it will be canceling around 1,400 flights in summer 2025 . The reasons for this are a lack of cockpit staff and technical problems with the fleet. The cancellations affect both long-haul flights, such as to Chicago, as well as various flights in the short and medium-haul network.

What rights do affected passengers have?

The provisions of the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 apply to persons whose flights have been canceled. This regulation applies if the flight is taken within the EU or is operated from a third country to the EU and the airline has its principal place of business in the EU. Switzerland has incorporated the regulation into its national law, which means that the same rights apply as in the EU.

1. entitlement to reimbursement or alternative transportation

If a flight is canceled, passengers have the right to:

• Refund of the ticket price,
  or
• Alternative transportation to the destination under comparable conditions and at no additional cost.

This option is available to those affected, regardless of when they were informed of the cancellation.

2. compensation payments

In principle, a claim for compensation exists if the airline informs you of the cancellation less than 14 days before the scheduled departure. The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance and is as follows:

• 250 € for flights up to 1,500 km
• 400 for flights within the EU over 1,500 km and for other flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
• 600 for flights over 3,500 km with departure or destination outside the EU.

As Swiss announces the affected flights well in advance, it is likely that passengers will be informed more than 14 days before the scheduled departure. In this case, there is no entitlement to compensation.

3. support services

If the cancellation leads to a significant waiting time, passengers are entitled to appropriate care services, such as:

• Meals and refreshments,
• two free phone calls or e-mails
• Hotel accommodation and transportation between the airport and accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary.

What should those affected do?

1. Contact the airline: Contact Swiss directly for information on alternative transportation or refunds.
2. Keep receipts: If you have additional expenses due to the cancellation, such as for meals or accommodation, keep all receipts and vouchers.

Submit a complaint: If you cannot find a satisfactory solution with the airline, you can contact the Agency for Passenger Rights (apf). The apf offers free and commission-free support in enforcing your rights.