Lufthansa does offer compensation to passengers when flights are cancelled, but the specifics depend on various factors, including the cause of cancellation, the timing of the notification, and the passenger’s route. As a major European carrier, Lufthansa is subject to the European Union’s Regulation EC 261/2004, which sets out passenger rights in cases of flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. This regulation applies to flights departing from any EU airport and to flights arriving in the EU if operated by an EU airline, such as Lufthansa. Under these rules, passengers may be entitled to compensation unless the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond Lufthansa’s control.

When a flight cancellation occurs, Lufthansa is required to provide passengers with options, such as a full refund of their ticket or rerouting to their destination at the earliest possible opportunity without additional charges. This means that if your Lufthansa flight is cancelled, the airline will usually arrange for you to be placed on the next available flight or offer an alternative route to reach your destination. Additionally, while waiting for rerouting, Lufthansa must provide adequate care, which could include meals, refreshments, and accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary. This care is intended to help minimize the inconvenience caused by cancellations.

Regarding financial compensation, passengers can claim monetary compensation if the cancellation was communicated less than 14 days before the scheduled departure date. The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance: for flights up to 1,500 kilometers, compensation is typically €250; for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, it is €400; and for flights over 3,500 kilometers, passengers may receive €600. However, compensation is not automatically guaranteed if Lufthansa informs passengers well in advance or provides rerouting that allows arrival within a certain time window close to the original schedule.

It’s important to note that Lufthansa is exempt from paying compensation if the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances. Such circumstances include severe weather events, air traffic control strikes, security threats, political instability, or technical issues that were unforeseeable despite proper maintenance. While compensation might not be due in these cases, Lufthansa is still obligated to offer refunds or rerouting and provide necessary assistance during the disruption.

Passengers who have experienced a cancellation with Lufthansa can typically submit compensation claims through the airline’s customer service channels or online claims portal. Keeping all relevant documents such as booking confirmations, boarding passes, and any correspondence with Lufthansa is crucial for supporting a compensation claim. If a claim is denied and the passenger believes compensation is justified under EU law, they can escalate the matter to the appropriate national enforcement body or seek legal help.

In conclusion, Lufthansa compensates passengers for cancelled flights following EU regulations, offering refunds, rerouting options, and financial compensation when conditions are met. The eligibility and amount of compensation depend on factors like timing, flight distance, and whether extraordinary circumstances apply. Understanding these policies enables passengers to know their rights and helps them secure fair treatment in case of cancellations, ensuring that Lufthansa provides support during travel disruptions.