Austria — Flight Compensation Rights
EC261 in Austria — passenger rights at VIE and beyond
Vienna is one of Europe's fastest-growing aviation hubs, serving as a gateway to Central and Eastern Europe. If your flight departed Vienna or any Austrian airport — or you arrived into Austria on an EU carrier — EC261 applies in full. Up to €600 for 3+ hour delays.
Maximum compensation
€600
per passenger, per flight
Compensation amounts in Austria
EC261 applies to all flights departing Austrian airports and to flights arriving into Austria on EU/EEA-licensed carriers. Austria's principal airport, Vienna, is a major Central European hub and gateway to Eastern Europe. APF (Agentur für Passagier- und Fahrgastrechte) is the national passenger rights agency.
Tier 1
Up to 1,500 km
Short-haul
€250
Tier 2
1,500–3,500 km
Medium-haul
€400
Tier 3
Over 3,500 km
Long-haul
€600
Claim time limit: 3 years
Austrian law provides a 3-year limitation period for passenger contract claims under the Austrian Civil Code (ABGB). The clock runs from the date of the disruption.
Who enforces your rights in Austria
National enforcement authority
Agentur für Passagier- und Fahrgastrechte (APF)
The APF is Austria's dedicated passenger rights agency. It accepts complaints and can investigate airlines for EC261 non-compliance. The APF does not issue binding decisions but provides formal findings that carry weight in Austrian court proceedings.
Key airports in Austria
All flights departing these airports are covered by EC261.
Airlines covered in Austria
These carriers operate EC261-covered flights from Austria's airports.
What makes Austria different
Country-specific legal nuances that affect how you claim.
Vienna — fast-growing Eastern European gateway
Vienna has evolved into a major hub for Central and Eastern European connections. This makes Vienna flights particularly important for claimants traveling beyond the EU. Austrian courts have jurisdiction for any Vienna departure.
APF — a dedicated passenger rights agency
Austria operates the APF, a dedicated passenger rights agency that investigates complaints and issues formal findings. While APF decisions are not binding, they carry significant weight in Austrian court proceedings and often prompt airline settlement.
Austrian Airlines — Lufthansa Group resources
Austrian Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group with strong legal infrastructure. Claims may settle faster than low-cost carriers, but EC261 rights are identical.
How to claim in Austria
Austrian EC261 claims can be escalated through the APF for formal investigation or directly to Austrian courts. The APF route is often more efficient than court.
Submit your claim
Tell us your flight details and we'll assess your entitlement under EC261 — no upfront cost.
Escalate if needed
File a complaint with the APF at apf.gv.at — free and typically concludes within 90 days with a formal finding. If the airline rejects the APF finding, escalate to the Landesgericht (regional court).
Receive your compensation
Austrian courts are generally accessible and receptive to EC261 claims. Legal representation is advisable for claims exceeding €2,000.
Frequently asked questions — Austria
What is the APF and how do I use it?
The APF (Agentur für Passagier- und Fahrgastrechte) is Austria's dedicated passenger rights agency. File a complaint at apf.gv.at with your booking details. The APF investigates free and issues a formal finding within 90 days.
Does EC261 apply to all flights from Austrian airports?
Yes — all flights departing Austria, regardless of airline nationality. Arriving flights are covered if the airline is EU-registered.
How long do I have to claim from Austria?
3 years under Austrian law, running from the date of the disruption.
Is Vienna one of Europe's major hubs?
Yes — Vienna has grown into a major gateway for Central and Eastern European connections. It is now one of Europe's most important hubs for regional and long-haul connectivity.
Was your Austria flight disrupted?
Check your entitlement in under 2 minutes. No win, no fee.