Poland — Flight Compensation Rights
EC261 in Poland — passenger rights at WAW, KRK with a 1-year deadline
Poland is one of Central Europe's fastest-growing aviation markets. If your flight departed Warsaw, Krakow, or any Polish airport — or you arrived into Poland on an EU carrier — EC261 applies. Act within 1 year for compensation up to €600.
Maximum compensation
€600
per passenger, per flight
Compensation amounts in Poland
EC261 applies to all flights departing Polish airports and to flights arriving into Poland on EU/EEA-licensed carriers. Poland is one of Central Europe's fastest-growing aviation markets, with Warsaw serving as a major hub. The Polish Civil Aviation Authority (ULC) oversees aviation and EC261 compliance.
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
⚡ 1 year claim window — shortest in the EU
Polish law provides a 1-year limitation period for passenger contract claims — one of the shortest in the EU. You must file within 12 months of the disruption or lose your claim entirely.
Who enforces your rights in Poland
National enforcement authority
Urząd Lotnictwa Cywilnego (ULC)
The ULC handles aviation oversight and can investigate EC261 non-compliance. Claims escalate to Polish courts (sąd okręgowy). There is no formal ADR scheme, but Polish courts are accessible.
Key airports in Poland
All flights departing these airports are covered by EC261.
Airlines covered in Poland
These carriers operate EC261-covered flights from Poland's airports.
What makes Poland different
Country-specific legal nuances that affect how you claim.
Poland has a 1-year claim limit — one of the shortest in EU
Polish law provides only 1 year from the disruption date to file a claim. This is one of the EU's strictest time limits (tied with Belgium). You must act immediately upon disruption. After 12 months, your claim is permanently barred.
No formal ADR scheme — immediate court action necessary
Poland does not maintain a formal airlines ADR scheme. Claims escalate directly to district court (sąd okręgowy). With only 1 year to file, you must act without delay.
Warsaw — Central Europe's fastest-growing hub
Warsaw has emerged as Central Europe's primary aviation hub, competing with Vienna for Eastern European connections. Warsaw airport continues rapid expansion.
How to claim in Poland
Polish EC261 claims operate under a 1-year deadline — the shortest in the EU. File with the airline immediately and escalate to district court without delay.
Submit your claim
Tell us your flight details and we'll assess your entitlement under EC261 — no upfront cost.
Escalate if needed
If the airline rejects your claim, file immediately in the district court (sąd okręgowy) with jurisdiction. Do not delay — the 1-year deadline applies to the entire process.
Receive your compensation
ULC can be contacted to report systemic non-compliance, but this does not recover your compensation. Court action is mandatory within the 1-year window.
Frequently asked questions — Poland
How long do I have to claim from Poland?
Only 1 year from the disruption date — one of the shortest in the EU. This is critical: file immediately with the airline and escalate to court without delay. After 12 months, your claim expires permanently.
Does EC261 apply to all flights from Polish airports?
Yes — all flights departing Poland, regardless of airline nationality. Arriving flights are covered if the airline is EU-registered.
What is the fastest way to claim in Poland?
File with the airline immediately and escalate to district court (sąd okręgowy) without delay. Do not wait — the 1-year deadline is strict and non-negotiable.
Is Warsaw a major European hub?
Yes — Warsaw has become Central Europe's primary aviation hub and continues rapid expansion, making it increasingly important for regional and international connectivity.
Was your Poland flight disrupted?
Check your entitlement in under 2 minutes. No win, no fee.⚡ Remember: Poland's 1 year limit applies — don't wait.