Wizz Air Abu Dhabi compensation.
Are you entitled to it? What are the rules?
Wizz Air, the low-cost airline we all know, has grown. It’s not a single company anymore. There are several of them. And as of recently, there’s also Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. The biggest difference is that Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is not a European airline, but a national airline of the United Arab Emirates. However, it does operate flights to the EU. And on some of these flights, you are protected by the laws of the European Union — you can get EU flight compensation.
Let’s go into detail! Everything is super simple.
1. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is a Non-EU Airline
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is not only based in Abu Dhabi but it’s also registered in Abu Dhabi. 51% of the company is owned by state-owned ADQ and 49% by Wizz Air Holdings. That’s why, when it comes to EU flight compensation regulation and air passenger rights, the airline is considered a non-EU airline. You may not see any difference, but legally it’s a non-EU airline.
To put it simply, you are less protected when flying with non-EU airlines. You are protected only on flights from the EU or the UK.
You aren’t protected when departing from elsewhere.
Of course, Wizz Air has its own company policies. And it’s not like you don’t have any rights at all on their flights departing from the UAE or, for example, Sri Lanka. You simply aren’t protected by the EU flight compensation regulation on these flights. If on flights from the EU or the UK, you can get compensation up to 600 euros per person, then on other flights, it depends on the airline’s internal policies. That’s all. That’s the main difference.
Learn more (applies to flights departing from the EU/UK):
- Wizz Air Flight Delay Compensation
- Wizz Air Flight Cancellation Compensation
- Wizz Air Denied Boarding Compensation
By Europe and EU here on this page we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
2. How to Claim Wizz Air Abu Dhabi Compensation?
There are two options that you have.
You can contact Wizz Air yourself. Write a message to the Wizz Air customer support centre, and request compensation for delayed flight / cancelled flight / denied boarding. Mostly you don’t hear back right away. The process takes some time, mostly at least a month or two.
The easiest option is — legal representation.
In this case, everything is done by a team of professionals. All you do is fill in a compensation claim form — Wizz Air compensation claim form. And that’s all. Our partners offer such services.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
3. How Much Can You Claim From Wizz Air Abu Dhabi?
The amounts are fixed, and range from €250 to €600.
These amounts are per person. They are the same for adults and kids. The amounts are the same also for infants, who can receive full flight compensation.
When your destination is within the EU:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1500 – 3500 km
When your destination is outside the EU:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1500 – 3500 km
€600
If the distance of your flight is more than 3500 km
There’s one exception. When the flight distance is 3500+ kilometres and you reach your destination 3 to 4 hours later than planned, you are entitled only to 50% of the compensation (€300, not €600).
4. Right to Care From Wizz Air
The same applies to your right to care from Wizz Air.
You have a right to care only on the EU/UK flights. Flying with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi you have a right to care only when your flight is departing from airports in the EU or the UK, but not the other way around, or when a flight is from a non-European country to a non-European country.
In these situations, when a flight is delayed or cancelled, and you have to wait at the airport, the airline has to take care of you. This applies to delays, cancellations and denied boarding (due to overbooking or something else that isn’t your fault). Wizz Air must offer you free meals in a reasonable relation to the waiting time, and also two free phone calls, e-mails, faxes or internet access. If you have to wait overnight, the airline must offer you a free hotel room and free transfer.
Remember! Wizz Air isn’t one company. There are several companies registerd in different countries. If you are flying with Wizz Air Hungary, you are protected by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 on all flights. With Wizz Air UK, you have the same rights like with Wizz Air Hungary. With Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, you have the same rights only on flights that are departing from Europe (EU, EEA, UK).
Wizz Air Flight Compensation: FAQ
My Wizz Air flight was very cheap. Can I get compensation?
Yes, absolutely! The price of your Wizz Air tickets doesn’t matter.
It also doesn’t affect the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive. You may receive compensation of 400 euros even if your flight costs 4 euros. All because the whole purpose of denied boarding compensation, flight delay compensation, and flight cancellation compensation, is to compensate for the inconveniences you have to go through.
Do I need to have insurance for this?
No, you don’t need to have insurance.
According to European Regulation EC 261/2004, every passenger who experiences a flight delay, last-minute flight cancellation, or boarding denial due to overbooking, can get compensation. As long as it’s due to the fault of the airline.
Can my child get compensation from Wizz Air?
Yes. All travellers in Europe are protected under the law, including children.
People of any age can get compensation if they are eligible for it. Even infants who have a special, infant ticket and don’t have a seat, are entitled to full compensation.
Can I claim compensation for another person?
Yes, you can claim compensation for another person.
You don’t even have to be on that flight yourself.
You can file a compensation claim for your family member, relative or friend, as long as they provide you with a boarding pass and passport copy. The only thing the person in question will have to do is to sign any documents Wizz Air may ask to sign. If you decide to work with flight compensation companies, mostly it’s only one document and signature.
How far back can I claim flight compensation?
You can claim compensation also for old flights. The exact deadline varies from country to country. You have to look at the laws and regulations in the country your flight departed from.
Mostly, you can claim compensation for flights that are up to 2-3 years old.
What to do if Wizz Air is refusing my claim?
Your Wizz Air compensation claim is refused. What’s next? The easiest way to get compensation Wizz Air owes you is to file a claim against Wizz Air with a flight compensation company.
Alternatively, you can try and contact the respective national enforcement body. There are national enforcement bodies in all the EU Member states. They will help you or point you in the right direction. These are government agencies, so be prepared for a likely lengthy process.
Other Situations
Wizz Air provided me with a free hotel room and took me to my destination. Can I still get compensated for the delay?
Yes, you may still receive flight compensation, if you are eligible for it.
In Europe, passengers have a right to care no matter the reason for delay. And if you’re eligible for compensation, you can get both – assistance and flight compensation. Just do not forget to file a compensation claim. Do it as soon after the flight as possible.
Wizz Air took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?
If you arrived at least 3 hours later than planned, then, yes.
There are many situations in which you may get compensated. Depending on the distance of your flight, you may receive a compensation of up to €600 per passenger. Even if you were taken to your final destination.
Do you still have questions about Wizz Air compensation policies? Ask in the comments.
Featured photo by Max Avans