When are you not entitled to flight compensation?
Unfortunately, you may not be eligible for compensation if your flight disruption was caused by problems at Dusseldorf Airport.
Incidents at Düsseldorf Airport
There was a time when airports were relatively simple and there weren’t so many airport disruptions. Today, airports have complex infrastructure, lots of personnel and strict regulations to follow. Unfortunately, Düsseldorf Airport problems are common.
If airport problems are beyond the control of the airline, then they are liable to pay passenger compensation. This could include when sensitive airline equipment breaks down or when other planes cause damage to the runway. Other events that are out of the control of the airport include acts of terrorism or political crises.
Regulation (EC) 261/2004 rules that such Düsseldorf Airport problems are beyond the control of airlines. Therefore, you’re not entitled to Düsseldorf Airport compensation in these cases.
Strikes at Düsseldorf Airport
Not all airport employees are satisfied with their working conditions. As such, a Dusseldorf Airport strike may halt operations. The result is Dusseldorf Airport cancelled flights and delays.
Air traffic controller strikes have the biggest impact, as they affect flights not only in the airport but also nearby flights. However, all types of staff can cause a Düsseldorf Airport strike, from luggage handlers to security personnel.
According to Regulation (EC) 261/2004, a strike in Dusseldorf Airport is outside of the airlines’ control. Therefore, cancelled flights at Dusseldorf Airport due to strikes are not eligible for compensation for airline service disruptions.
Bad weather conditions at Düsseldorf Airport
Planes are not immune to all weather conditions and bad weather can result in cancellations and delays at Dusseldorf Airport. These often happen in the winter, when snow causes many issues.
Wind speed and poor visibility are common issues behind weather-related disruptions. Disruptions can also occur because of poor weather conditions at your destination. Just because the weather is safe for taking off, doesn’t mean it’s safe for landing. If weather conditions are not fit for flying, the airline has little choice but to cancel or delay the flight.
According to Regulation (EC) 261/2004, airlines are not liable to pay compensation for flights cancelled at Dusseldorf Airport due to poor weather conditions.