Berlin airport suspends flights: What are your rights as a traveller and can you claim compensation?

Germany has been experiencing a prolonged cold spell over the last few weeks, with the capital reportedly facing temperatures as cold as –10C. It’s not only unpleasant, but the freezing weather has also caused significant travel disruption. 

On Thursday morning, departures from Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport were suspended as freezing rain has rendered de-icing aircraft an impossible task, according to a spokesperson for the hub. 

Travellers have been advised to expect severe delays and cancellations. It seems the disruption could continue until the weather conditions improve. 

Can you claim compensation if your flight is affected?

While it is often tricky to claim compensation for a factor outside your airline’s control, Flightright.com explains there are certain circumstances where you could be eligible for your money back if the delays are related to weather. 

In 2004, the EU introduced something called Regulation 261, which grants air passengers the right to claim compensation if their flight is affected by bad weather (when the conditions aren’t deemed ‘wholly exceptional’). So, if it snows in Greece in the summer, you won’t be able to claim, but if it’s particularly icy in Germany in the winter, you could be in with a chance – essentially, the airline will have to prove that the conditions were extraordinary to avoid compensating you. 

More specifically, an airline not having adequate de-icing fluid is one reason you can claim, as that was down to their management. However, freezing rain overwhelming an entire airport will be harder to claim against. Speak to your travel insurance provider directly to see what can be done about reimbursement. 

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