What you’re Owed for Cologne/Bonn Airport Delays and Cancellations

As Cologne/Bonn Airport (BSL) is located within the EU, flights departing, and in some cases, arriving at this airport are likely to be covered by a law known as EU Regulation No. 261/2004.

In a nutshell, EC 261 ensures that you have rights in the event of a flight delay, cancellation, or overbooking. The law says that during a disruption, the airline must provide food, drinks, and accommodation if needed, especially if you have to wait for a replacement flight that is set to leave several hours later. Should the airline be at fault for the delays in Airport, you may also be entitled to get up to US$700 per person.

Is your Flight Covered by EC 261?

Flight delays can be extremely frustrating and costly, especially if you have time-sensitive engagements waiting for you at your destination, such as a scheduled tour, event, or an important meeting. A delay can have other costs as well, as air passengers will often have to pay for their own food, drink, and other essentials.

If you’ve experienced delayed flights from Cologne/Bonn Airport, the first thing that you need to remember is that the airline is actually required to provide food and refreshments while you wait. For longer delays, they should provide free accommodation, as well as transportation to and from your hotel.

If your flight was delayed by more than 3 hours and if the airline was found to be at fault, the law says that they owe you compensation — up to US$700.

Under EC 261, if you encounter Cologne/Bonn Airport canceled flights, the airline is obligated to provide you with proper care while you wait. If you still wish to traveling, the airline is also obligated to offer you an alternative flight to your intended destination.

Remember that you will never have to pay extra for a replacement flight, even if they upgrade you.

If you received the news that your flight was canceled less than two weeks before your scheduled departure, you may be entitled to compensation as well. In the case of Airport cancellations, the amount you receive depends on distance.

Of course, there are exceptions. If the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, that is, situations that are outside the airline’s control, the airline does not have to pay compensation.

Some examples of extraordinary circumstances include severe weather conditions, safety or medical emergencies, and security risks.

Table shows values in € as specified in EC 261

There may be exceptions in the law that could affect these compensation amounts. If you are unsure, you can check if your flight is eligible by using our handy Compensation Calculator.

Strikes could lead to Cologne/Bonn Airport cancellations or delays. While strikes taking place at the airport usually fall under extraordinary circumstances and typically do not qualify for compensation, there is one crucial exception — airline staff strikes. Those are most cases where the strike involves the airline’s pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and other employees. You can learn more about strike compensation here.

You are Eligible for Strike Compensation if: