Austrian Airlines: Flight Cancellations And What You Need To Know

Austrian Airlines is the largest airline company in Austria and flies to 130 destinations. However, there have been instances of flight cancellations and delays. For example, on April 4, 2024, Austrian Airlines cancelled 92 flights, causing knock-on disruptions until the next morning. In addition, Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa cancelled flights to Israel in response to an Israeli retaliation for a rocket attack. Austrian Airlines also suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv and Tehran until mid-December 2024 due to safety concerns.

Austrian Airlines cancels 92 flights on April 4, 2024

Austrian Airlines (OS or AUA) has cancelled 92 flights scheduled for 4 April 2024. The cancellations are due to a meeting of pilot and cabin crew personnel, amid ongoing wage disputes.

The cancellations follow strikes on 28-29 March and 14 March 2024, which resulted in 400 and 150 flight cancellations, respectively. The airline expects knock-on disruptions to flights through the morning of 5 April and has advised passengers to reconfirm their travel plans and accommodation.

Austrian Airlines has informed affected passengers or rebooked them on alternative flights. Passengers have been asked to check their flight status on the airline's website, app, or via Travel ID. Those who booked through a travel agency have been advised to contact the respective agency. The airline has apologised for any inconvenience caused.

The dispute centres on demands by unionised cabin crew for wage levels to be brought into line with those of the parent company, Lufthansa Group. Austrian Airlines has not indicated it will comply with these demands, and CEO Annette Mann has suggested that Lufthansa could serve Vienna with cheaper airlines if staff do not reduce their demands.

Austrian Airlines cancels flights to Israel

Austrian Airlines has cancelled flights to Israel, according to Israeli media. The Lufthansa Group, which owns Austrian Airlines, has decided not to use Iranian and Iraqi airspace as a precautionary measure until further notice. This decision comes amid reports of an Israeli response to the rocket attack that killed 12 children in Majdal Shams.

The Lufthansa Group's decision affects flights to and from Tel Aviv, which have been suspended up to and including 15 December 2024, and flights to and from Tehran, which have been cancelled until 16 December 2024. Passengers with bookings on these flights are advised to check the current status of their flights before heading to the airport.

Austrian Airlines is committed to providing rapid assistance to affected passengers. In the event of a cancellation, the airline will rebook passengers free of charge and usually automatically to another flight, informing them via their mobile phone number. Passengers are advised to ensure that their current contact details are stored in "My Bookings" to facilitate this process.

In addition to rebooking options, Austrian Airlines also offers refunds for cancelled flights. Passengers can use the Austrian Chat Assistant to check the refund amount and process their refund. Alternatively, they can use the link provided on the Austrian Airlines website to request a refund.

The Lufthansa Group's decision to cancel flights to Israel is a precautionary measure that prioritises the safety and security of its passengers and crew. The group will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary.

Austrian Airlines' compensation and cancellation policy

Austrian Airlines does its best to get passengers to their destinations on time, but air traffic disruptions can occur. In the event of a delay or cancellation, Austrian Airlines will inform passengers of any flight changes via email, text, or the Austrian App. Passengers will be automatically rebooked on another flight to the same destination and in the same travel class, free of charge.

Rebooking

If you are unhappy with the alternative flight, you can choose another flight yourself and rebook free of charge. This can be done via the Austrian Chat Assistant or by going to "My Bookings". If you booked your ticket with a tour operator or travel agent, you may need to contact them directly.

Refunds

If your flight operated by Austrian Airlines has been cancelled, you can get a refund for your ticket. This can be done via the Austrian Chat Assistant, or by following the link provided in the sources below. If you booked your ticket with a tour operator or travel agent, it is recommended that you contact them directly.

Compensation

If your flight is delayed by two hours or more, cancelled, or you are denied boarding, you will receive a meal voucher. If your departure is postponed to the following day, Austrian Airlines will arrange and cover the costs of a room at a three-star hotel, including food, drink, and transfers to and from the hotel.

If your flight is delayed by three hours or more, you may be entitled to compensation of between €250 and €600, depending on the distance of the flight. This can be claimed via a free compensation calculator online.

Austrian Airlines' rebooking policy

Austrian Airlines will inform you about any flight changes, including cancellations, via email, text, or the Austrian App. In the event of a cancellation, Austrian Airlines will rebook you to another flight free of charge, usually automatically. If you do not receive a message from Austrian Airlines, you can check the status of your booking online or use the Austrian Chat Assistant. You can also contact the tour operator or travel agent directly if you did not book your ticket directly with Austrian Airlines.

If you need to rebook your flight, you can do so online, at the airport, or by contacting Austrian Airlines directly. Online rebooking is available if you booked your ticket online via the Austrian Airlines website, before the first flight, if your fare conditions allow rebooking, and if the new and original flights have an Austrian Airlines flight number. You can rebook fully flexible tickets up to three hours before departure and all other tickets up to 24 hours before departure. At the airport, rebooking is only available to passengers travelling with hand luggage, and the possibility of rebooking depends on seat availability.

Rebooking fees may apply, depending on the fare conditions and the availability of the desired flight at the time of rebooking. If you have a fully flexible ticket, you can rebook with no fees up to three hours before departure. If you change the destination, departure airport, or return airport, cancellation fees will apply, and you will need to pay the difference in fare.

If you are unable to rebook your flight to a suitable alternative, you can convert your flight ticket into a rail ticket for Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) on certain routes free of charge.

Austrian Airlines' baggage transfer policy

Austrian Airlines allows passengers to bring 1 item of cabin baggage, such as a handbag or laptop case, plus 1 personal item on board. The dimensions of your cabin baggage must not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm or weigh more than 8 kg. If you exceed your hand luggage allowance, you will be charged.

For checked baggage, the free allowance depends on the ticket type and travel route. For European routes, passengers are allowed 1 bag per person, weighing up to 23 kg and with a maximum linear size of 158 cm. Intercontinental routes offer the same allowance. Economy Light tickets do not include any checked luggage, but passengers can book a checked bag for an additional fee.

If your bag exceeds the weight and size limits, it will be considered excess baggage. Austrian Airlines' excess baggage policy allows for bags up to 292 cm in linear size and 32 kg in weight. Fees for excess baggage depend on the route and whether the bag is overweight, oversized, or both.

In the event of flight cancellations or rebooking, Austrian Airlines will arrange for your baggage to be transferred to the new flight. If your flight is cancelled and you are travelling onwards by train, the airline will endeavour to quickly return your baggage to you.

Frequently asked questions