When your Wizz Air flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline might blame technical problems. Passengers are often told this means they cannot claim compensation. But under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261) and UK261, that’s not true — in most cases, technical problems are the airline’s responsibility and compensation is due.
Wizz Air technical problems are not extraordinary circumstances!
Check your compensation online.
Wizz Air Technical Problems Are Not Extraordinary Circumstances!
Most aircraft technical problems are considered the airline’s responsibility.
European court rulings have confirmed that even unexpected faults discovered during maintenance are not “extraordinary circumstances.” The only exception is a hidden manufacturing defect.
So, if your flight is delayed or cancelled due to Wizz Air technical problems, you should file a flight compensation claim. You may be entitled to compensation of up to €600 per passenger.
Learn more: EU Regulation 261 of 2004: Extraordinary Circumstances
Why Do Airlines Call It “Extraordinary Circumstances”?
Airlines sometimes label technical problems as extraordinary circumstances to avoid paying large amounts in compensation. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, carriers are not required to pay compensation if the disruption was caused by genuine extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, political unrest, or hidden manufacturing defects.
However, technical problems are not on this list. Courts have made it clear that mechanical faults and maintenance issues fall under the airline’s responsibility.
“It was an extraordinary circumstance” is one of the most common excuses airlines use when denying compensation.
Check your compensation online.
Flight Disruption Due to Wizz Air Technical Problems: What Are Your Rights?
Was your flight delayed or cancelled because of technical problems? Don’t worry — under EU261/UK261, you’re fully protected. Here’s what you need to know.
Right to Care
No matter the cause of disruption, the airline has a duty of care.
- If your flight is delayed 3+ hours, the airline must provide free meals, drinks, and two free phone calls or emails.
- For overnight delays, you must also receive a free hotel stay and transport between the hotel and the airport.
Learn more: Right to Care
Right to a New Flight or Full Refund
If your flight is cancelled, the airline must:
- Offer you an alternative flight at no extra cost, and
- Provide hotel accommodation and transfers if the replacement flight departs the next day.
If you don’t want the new flight, you can always choose a full refund instead.
Right to Flight Compensation
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, you are entitled to compensation when disruption is caused by technical problems, since these fall under the airline’s control. The only exception is a hidden manufacturing defect.
You can claim compensation if:
- Your flight is delayed 3+ hours on arrival,
- Your flight is cancelled at short notice (within 14 days of departure), or
- You are denied boarding due to overbooking (unless you volunteered to give up your seat).
This applies to:
- Flights operated by EU/UK airlines, regardless of route, and
- Non-EU airlines departing from the EU/UK.
Your nationality doesn’t matter — all passengers are covered.
Wizz Air technical problems are not extraordinary circumstances!
How to Claim Wizz Air Compensation
You have two options: file a claim yourself or use a flight compensation company.
Claiming on Your Own
If you decide to handle the claim yourself:
- Contact your airline directly.
- Request compensation and clearly reference EU Regulation 261/2004.
- Be patient — the process can take time and may require follow-ups.
Claiming with a Flight Compensation Company
For a faster, stress-free process, you can work with one of our partner flight compensation companies. All you need to do is:
- Provide your personal and flight details.
- Upload a copy of your boarding pass and passport.
- Sign the claim online.
Once submitted, the company takes over the entire process on your behalf.
Check your compensation online.
How Much Is Flight Delay Compensation, Flight Cancellation & Overbooking Compensation?
Under EU261/UK261, compensation amounts depend on flight distance:
- Up to €250 for flights under 1,500 km (short-haul within Europe).
- Up to €400 for flights between 1,500–3,500 km (e.g., Europe to North Africa or the Middle East).
- Up to €600 for flights over 3,500 km (e.g., Europe to the US or Asia).
These amounts are the same for flight delay, flight cancellation and flight overbooking (denied boarding) compensation.
Bottom line: If Wizz Air (or any EU airline) blames “technical problems,” you can still claim up to €600 per passenger in compensation, in addition to your right to care and a refund or rerouting.
Featured photo by Joël Super from Pexels