Yes, Lufthansa compensates passengers for cancelled flights under specific circumstances, primarily guided by European Union Regulation EC 261/2004. This regulation protects air travelers flying within, into, or out of the EU, and since Lufthansa is a European airline, it is required to comply with these rules. If your Lufthansa flight is cancelled, your entitlement to compensation depends on several factors, including how much notice you received about the cancellation, the reason for the cancellation, and the distance of the flight. Generally, if Lufthansa cancels your flight less than 14 days before the scheduled departure date and the cancellation is within the airline’s control—not caused by extraordinary events like severe weather, strikes, or security issues—you are eligible for financial compensation. The compensation amounts vary based on the length of your flight. For flights up to 1,500 kilometers, the compensation amount is €250. For flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, passengers may receive €400, and for flights longer than 3,500 kilometers, the amount can reach €600 per passenger. These sums are intended to compensate for the inconvenience caused by the cancellation.

In addition to financial compensation, Lufthansa must provide passengers with assistance when a flight is cancelled. This includes offering either a full refund of the ticket or an alternative flight to the passenger’s final destination at the earliest opportunity. If passengers choose to be rebooked on a later flight, Lufthansa is responsible for providing care during the wait. This care can include meals and refreshments appropriate to the waiting time, hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary, and transportation between the airport and the hotel. Passengers are also entitled to two free telephone calls, emails, or faxes to communicate with family or work.

However, not every cancellation automatically qualifies for compensation. If Lufthansa notifies passengers of the cancellation more than 14 days before departure, compensation is not owed, although a refund or rebooking must still be offered. Also, if the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as natural disasters or government actions, Lufthansa is exempt from paying compensation. Nevertheless, passengers in such cases are still entitled to assistance and rerouting options.

If Lufthansa offers you an alternative flight that arrives at your destination within a reasonable time of your original flight—generally within two hours for short flights and within four hours for longer ones—the airline may reduce the compensation amount by 50%. This reduction recognizes that the delay was minimized through prompt rebooking.

Passengers can request compensation by submitting a claim directly through Lufthansa’s customer service channels or their website. Providing your booking details and flight information will help speed up the review process. The airline typically processes valid claims within a few weeks, although response times can vary depending on the volume of requests.

In summary, Lufthansa complies with EU passenger rights regulations by offering financial compensation, refunds, or rebooking options when flights are cancelled under its control. Passengers affected by cancellations have clear rights to assistance and reimbursement, which help reduce the impact of travel disruptions. Knowing these rights ensures passengers receive fair treatment and support whenever their flights are unexpectedly cancelled.