Switzerland — Flight Compensation Rights
EC261 in Switzerland — passenger rights at ZRH, GVA, and beyond
Switzerland applies EC261 via bilateral agreement with the EU, making Swiss airports subject to the same passenger compensation rules as the EU. If your flight departed Zurich, Geneva, or any Swiss airport, you have EC261 rights.
Maximum compensation
€600
per passenger, per flight
Claim time limit
2 years
Regulation
EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (via bilateral agreement)
Enforcement body
FOCA
Compensation amounts in Switzerland
Switzerland is not an EU member, but EC261 applies to flights departing Swiss airports and arriving into Switzerland on EU-licensed carriers via a bilateral air transport agreement. The substantive rights (€250/€400/€600, 3-hour delay threshold) are identical to EU261, but enforcement is through Swiss federal courts rather than EU mechanisms.
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: 2 years
Swiss law provides a 2-year limitation period under the Swiss Civil Code. The clock runs from the date of the disruption.
Who enforces your rights in Switzerland
National enforcement authority
FOCA (Federal Office of Civil Aviation)
FOCA supervises Swiss aviation and EC261 compliance. Individual claims are resolved through Swiss federal courts (Bundesgericht) or cantonal courts. There is no formal ADR scheme; court action is the primary enforcement mechanism.
Key airports in Switzerland
All flights departing these airports are covered by EC261.
Airlines covered in Switzerland
These carriers operate EC261-covered flights from Switzerland's airports.
What makes Switzerland different
Country-specific legal nuances that affect how you claim.
Switzerland is not EU — but EC261 applies via bilateral agreement
Switzerland voted against EU membership and is not an EU member state. However, the bilateral air transport agreement with the EU extends EC261 to Swiss-departing flights and EU arrivals. The compensation amounts (€250/€400/€600) and 3-hour delay threshold are identical to EU261.
Enforcement is through Swiss courts, not EU bodies
Unlike EU countries with CJEU oversight, Swiss claims are heard in cantonal courts or the Swiss Federal Court (Bundesgericht). There is no formal ADR scheme. Swiss court proceedings can be slower and more costly than EU alternatives.
SWISS is Lufthansa Group — strong legal resources
Swiss International Air Lines is owned by Lufthansa Group. SWISS has well-resourced legal teams and established dispute resolution procedures. Claims often resolve faster than low-cost carriers, but EC261 rights are identical.
How to claim in Switzerland
Swiss EC261 claims escalate from the airline directly to Swiss federal or cantonal courts. There is no ADR scheme, making court action the primary enforcement route.
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 in the appropriate cantonal court or Swiss Federal Court. Legal representation is strongly recommended, as Swiss court proceedings can be complex.
Receive your compensation
FOCA can be contacted to report systemic non-compliance, but this does not recover your compensation. Court action is the primary enforcement mechanism.
Frequently asked questions — Switzerland
Does EC261 apply to Switzerland even though it's not in the EU?
Yes — Switzerland has a bilateral air transport agreement with the EU that extends EC261 to Swiss-departing flights and arrivals on EU carriers. The compensation amounts and rules are identical to EU261.
How long do I have to claim from Switzerland?
2 years under Swiss law, running from the date of the disruption.
Do I need a Swiss lawyer to claim?
For smaller claims, you may be able to file independently, but Swiss court procedures are complex. Legal representation is strongly recommended for claims exceeding €1,000.
Are SWISS claims faster than easyJet or Ryanair claims?
SWISS, as a Lufthansa subsidiary, may have faster internal dispute resolution, but EC261 rights are identical. All carriers must comply with the same compensation rules.
Was your Switzerland flight disrupted?
Check your entitlement in under 2 minutes. No win, no fee.