Wizz Air EU261 Compensation: How to Claim
Wizz Air is a Hungarian EU carrier — EU261 applies both ways. Wizz Air is notorious for offering Wizz Credit instead of cash — you have the right to refuse. Up to €600 per person for delays and cancellations.
Quick answer
Wizz Air: EU carrier — EU261 applies both ways. Compensation: €250/€400/€600 per person. Wizz Credit offer: refuse — demand cash. Technical fault rejection: challenge it (not extraordinary per CJEU).
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Fill in the form below to find out if you can claim up to EUR 600 for a delayed or cancelled flight. No upfront cost - you pay only if you win.
Escalation by Country
| Country | Enforcement body | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) | caa.co.uk | UK261 applies on UK departures. CAA PACT scheme. |
| Hungary | BKH (Nemzeti Közlekedési Hatóság) | bkh.hu | Wizz Air's home NEB. |
| Poland | ULC (Urząd Lotnictwa Cywilnego) | ulc.gov.pl | Large Wizz Air base at Warsaw Chopin. |
| Romania | AACR (Autoritatea Aeronautică Civilă Română) | aacr.ro | Wizz Air Romania hub at Bucharest. |
| Italy | ENAC | enac.gov.it | Large Italian operations. |
| Germany | LBA / SÖP ADR | soep-online.de | SÖP is free ADR, typically 90-day resolution. |
| Austria | Austro Control / Schlichtungsstelle | flugrechte.at | Austrian ADR body. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does EU261 apply to Wizz Air?
Yes, both ways. Wizz Air (W6) is a Hungarian EU-registered carrier. EU261 applies to all EU-registered carriers on ALL flights — including from non-EU destinations. A Wizz Air flight from Tel Aviv (Israel) to Budapest is covered the same as Budapest to Tel Aviv. There is no limitation for EU carriers based on departure location.
Wizz Air offered me Wizz Credit instead of EU261 compensation — must I accept?
No. EU261 compensation must be paid in cash, bank transfer, or cheque — not airline credit. Wizz Air is known for attempting to substitute EU261 cash compensation with 'Wizz Credit' — an airline-specific currency that can only be used for future Wizz Air bookings. You have the right to refuse and demand cash payment. If Wizz Air insists on credit-only, file a complaint with the national enforcement body in the departure country.
How much compensation for a Wizz Air delay?
Wizz Air primarily operates short-haul and medium-haul routes within Europe and to the Middle East/North Africa. Compensation: €250 for flights up to 1,500 km (e.g. Budapest–Warsaw, London–Budapest), €400 for 1,500–3,500 km (e.g. London–Marrakech, Budapest–Cairo, Vienna–Istanbul), €600 for flights over 3,500 km (e.g. London–Abu Dhabi if operated). A 3+ hour arrival delay or cancellation within 14 days triggers compensation.
Wizz Air cited a technical fault to reject my claim — is this valid?
No. Technical faults are NOT extraordinary circumstances under EU261. The CJEU ruled in Wallentin-Hermann (C-549/07) that technical problems are an inherent part of normal airline operations. Airlines must maintain aircraft diligently and anticipate such issues. Wizz Air's rejection citing 'technical fault' or 'aircraft operational reason' is not a valid extraordinary circumstance under EU261 and can be challenged at the relevant national enforcement body.
Wizz Air UK (a separate entity from Wizz Air) — are the rights the same?
Wizz Air UK is a UK-registered carrier (separate from Hungarian Wizz Air) that operates under UK261 for UK departure flights. For Wizz Air UK flights departing from UK airports, UK261 applies with compensation of £220/£350/£520. For Wizz Air UK flights departing from EU airports, EU261 applies. The key distinction: check which entity operated your flight (check the flight ticket — the carrier code W9 is Wizz Air UK vs W6 for Hungarian Wizz Air).
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