Published on 2 March 2026

Flight cancellations due to the situation in the Middle East: Your air passenger rights

In the event of flight cancellations and delays, passenger rights apply in accordance with EU Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004. The Regulation applies for all flights departing from Switzerland or the EU, regardless of the airline. In the event that a flight from a third country to Switzerland or the EU is operated by an airline from a third country, Regulation (EC) 261/2004 does not apply.

In the current situation in the Middle East, it should be noted that these are extraordinary circumstances. This means that airlines are generally not obliged to pay compensation in case of flight disruption.

However, affected passengers are entitled to care services while waiting for a replacement flight. If necessary, hotel accommodation and meals must be provided. This applies regardless of the extraordinary circumstances and is not limited in time by the regulation. Whenever possible, an alternative transportation (see below) must be offered to passengers.

In the event of flight cancellations, passengers must be offered the following 3 options: Passengers have the choice between:

• Refund of the ticket price (for the part/s of the ticket not used); or
• Alternative transport at the earliest possible time; or
• Alternative transport at a later date (if available).

FOCA recommends that you contact your airline directly – via app, website, or telephone hotline. If you booked through a travel agency, please contact them.

Affected passengers should check the status of their flight regularly. The situation is changing constantly.

If, due to official restrictions, no flight connections or alternative transport are possible, Swiss passengers stranded abroad can contact their local embassy or consulate or
FDFA Helpline
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
Please register on the following app in order to facilitate planning for FDFA : Travel Admin