Air passenger rights in Switzerland (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Switzerland applies the EU air passenger rights regulation 261/2004 through its bilateral air transport agreement, and the Federal Office of Civil Aviation enforces it. Compensation of EUR 250, 400 or 600 is stated for cancellations by distance. For delays the office says the Regulation provides no compensation and a civil judge decides.

RuleWhat applies
Governing regulationDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flightsEU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 [1]
Arrival delay giving a right to compensationDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flights⚠ Not yet verified
Compensation: flights up to 1,500 kmDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flights€250.00 per passenger [2]
Compensation: flights of 1,500 to 3,500 kmDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flights€400.00 per passenger [2]
Compensation: flights over 3,500 kmDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flights€600.00 per passenger [2]
Care and refund when a flight is delayedDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flightsMeals and refreshments in proportion to the waiting time, a way to communicate and, if the onward flight is on the next day, a hotel with transport, offered after a departure delay of 2 hours (flights up to 1,500 km), 3 hours (1,500 to 3,500 km) or 4 hours (over 3,500 km). At a delay of 5 hours or more, passengers who decide not to fly may have the ticket price refunded. [3]
Which flights are coveredDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flightsFlights departing from an airport in the EU, Switzerland, Norway or Iceland. Flights from a third country to an airport in those states when the carrier has its main establishment in the EU, Switzerland, Norway or Iceland. [1]
National enforcement bodyDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flightsFederal Office of Civil Aviation (BAZL/FOCA) is the enforcement body. It can fine an airline for an infringement but cannot enforce the compensation claim; that goes through the civil courts. Switzerland has no alternative dispute resolution body for air passengers at present. [1]

Notes

  • Applies in Switzerland through the bilateral air transport agreement with the EU: the Federal Office of Civil Aviation treats Switzerland as an EU Member State for Article 3 of the Regulation.
  • The Federal Office of Civil Aviation states that the Regulation itself provides no compensation for delay. EU Court of Justice rulings (compensation possible from 3 hours at arrival) are not binding on Switzerland; a civil judge decides whether compensation is owed.
  • Stated for cancellations. No compensation if the passenger is informed more than 14 days ahead or the airline shows extraordinary circumstances; it can be halved if the delay at the destination stays within 2, 3 or 4 hours depending on distance.

Sources

  1. Bundesamt für Zivilluftfahrt (BAZL): Ihre Rechte als Flugpassagier (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundesamt für Zivilluftfahrt (BAZL): Annullierung des Fluges (Cancellation) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundesamt für Zivilluftfahrt (BAZL): Grosse Verspätungen (Delay) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.