Black ice at airports: Passengers have these rights

Freezing rain and black ice ring in the new week in many places in Germany and cause disruptions and accidents. There were also disruptions at Germany's second largest airport in Munich. The reason for the problems was the risk of slippery conditions, which made take-offs and landings too dangerous. The result was 650 canceled flights last Tuesday.  

The onset of winter and snowfall are likely to cause even more delays or even cancellations in air traffic in Germany in the coming months. But air travelers are not at the mercy of the weather or the airlines, as passenger rights expert Julián Navas from AirHelp explains: “Passengers affected by flight cancellations are entitled to alternative transport or a full refund of the flight price. As a rule, airlines offer rebooking to an alternative flight. Domestic flights can optionally be rebooked for a train ticket. If the airline does not act on its own initiative or is unable to offer suitable alternative transport, the affected passengers can find an alternative themselves and charge the airline the costs. In order to ensure reimbursement of their costs, affected passengers should under no circumstances change their bookings to buses, trains or other flights without consulting the airline. If there is a delay of more than five hours or if the flight is transported at a later date, the airline is also obliged to refund the full ticket price. In the event of delays of more than two hours, the operating airline must provide meals and drinks to passengers at the airport. In addition, it must be possible to make two telephone calls or send two emails. If necessary, the airlines must also provide accommodation and enable transport there. In any case, it is advisable to request this benefit from the airline. We advise all passengers to retain each receipt in order to obtain reimbursement from airlines for the cost of food, refreshments, substitute travel and accommodation.” 

Regarding the obligation to compensate, Navas notes: “In extreme weather conditions such as the onset of winter, many travelers from Germany will not be able to take their booked flight as planned. However, since problems in the flight process caused by weather phenomena are not the fault of the airline, passengers are not entitled to compensation.” 

Passengers have these rights according to EC 261 

Flight cancellations and delays can entitle you to compensation payments of up to 600 euros per passenger. The amount of the compensation payment is calculated from the length of the flight route. The rightful claim for compensation depends on the actual length of the delay at the destination and the reason for the canceled or delayed flight. Affected passengers can assert their claim for compensation retrospectively, up to three years after their flight date. 

Extraordinary circumstances such as storms or medical emergencies can result in the operating airline being released from the obligation to compensate. Both announced and unannounced strikes are not included.