My flight was diverted to a different airport. What now?
The airline must transport you from the diversion airport to your original destination at no cost — by onward flight, coach, or taxi as reasonable. Duty-of-care (meals, hotel if overnight) applies. If the total delay to your final destination exceeds 3 hours on EU-covered flights, cash compensation may also apply.
A diversion is legally a delayed arrival, not a new journey. Under EU 261 and most national rules, the airline owes you onward transport to the original destination on the ticket. Do not accept 'we brought you to a nearby airport, you're on your own' — that violates the re-routing obligation. Keep receipts if you self-arrange the last leg. If the total delay past scheduled arrival at your original airport crosses 3 hours and the diversion was not caused by extraordinary circumstances, cash compensation applies as well.
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Last verified 2026-07-29.