Moldova is not part of the European Union, so many passengers at Chișinău airport wonder whether they are entitled to compensation when a flight is delayed or cancelled. The answer depends on where the flight departs from and which airline operates it.
When do the European rules (EC 261/2004) apply?
- Flights departing from an EU airport to Chișinău: they apply, whatever the airline (for example Bucharest – Chișinău or Rome – Chișinău).
- Flights departing from Chișinău and landing in the EU, operated by a European airline (for example a low-cost carrier with a European licence): they apply.
- Flights departing from Chișinău, operated by an airline from outside the EU: the European regulation does not apply; the airline's conditions and local law matter.
When they apply, the amounts are the usual ones: €250 (up to 1,500 km), €400 (1,500–3,500 km) and €600 (over 3,500 km), provided the delay at destination is at least 3 hours, the cancellation was announced late or you were denied boarding. Details in the guide compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight.
How do I find out which airline operates my flight?
Check your ticket or boarding pass: it shows the airline that operates the flight and, sometimes, another airline that sells it (code share). For compensation, what counts is the airline that actually operates the flight.
What if my flight is not covered?
You still have rights: ask the airline in writing for a refund of the ticket if the flight is cancelled, for meals, water and a hotel if you had to wait a long time, and keep all receipts. The exact rules are in the airline's contract of carriage.
Flight cancelled: can I travel by coach instead?
Yes. If your flight to Europe was cancelled and you need an alternative, on ZUM.MD you can find coaches from Moldova to Italy, France, Germany, Portugal and many other cities, with the price and departures in plain view: see the coaches. The ticket is paid directly to the carrier.
Check for free whether your flight qualifies
If the flight departed from the EU or landed in the EU with a European airline, you can check your right in two minutes with no upfront cost: check on AirHelp. The fee is paid only if you get the compensation. ZUM.MD earns a commission from AirHelp if you use this link; the price for you does not change. For the full steps see how to claim compensation. Also look for cheap flights from Chișinău for your next trip.
General information, not legal advice; always check the actual flight data.