Coronavirus and flight cancellations in Europe

Major European airlines canceled many flights to Asia due to the coronavirus outbreak. Lufthansa announced that up to 25% of short-haul and medium-haul flights could be canceled as well. I was supposed to flight tonight with Lufthansa from BSL (France/Switzerland) to KRK (Poland) with a connection in MUC, but my flight to Munich was canceled. I've been rebooked for a flight tomorrow with a connection in FRA.

Since I'm going to have over 12 hours of delay, I'd expect to be entitled to compensation under EU261 regulation. It's almost certain that cancellations of intra-EU flights are done due to decreased demand. This cancellation can't prevent virus spread since LH didn't cancel other flights from/to this airport and I'm going to travel on almost the same route anyway, only with a major delay.

However, given the current situation in Europe, I'm afraid that the airline might hide behind extraordinary circumstances. After all, the airlines are never happy to lose money and they tried to use this exception incorrectly many times in the past. Is there a good way how I could prepare myself for filing the request for compensation after my travel tomorrow? Is there any better way to inquire about the reasons of flight cancellation rather than just calling the airline? Are they even required to tell me the reason?

Best Answer

If the delay is due to decreased demand (as opposed to government measures) they are liable for compensation. In fact, if they claim extraordinary circumstances it is on them to prove that to you.

I‘d flatly state that the cancellation was their responsibility and therefore you are entitled to compensation.

If they refuse, you can still decide if you want to fight it yourself or give it to a flight-lawyer-portal.

Notes:

Regulators cannot decide wether this is an extraordinary circumstance, only the courts can.
Given previous decisions on the matter, it would be very surprising if a court would side with the airline - cancelling the flight is a voluntary business decision by the them. Courts have consistently ruled that extraordinary circumstances are only things that are completely out of the airline’s control.
The compensation will not kick in if you voluntarily re-book the flight to a different date (e.g. by using Lufthansa‘s current rebooking offer)