Can airlines currently cancel their flights at short notice due to travel warnings in connection with the coronavirus pandemic without running the risk of having to pay compensation under the European Passenger Rights Regulation?

If a flight is cancelled as a result of the current Sars-CoV-2/COVID 19 pandemic (coronavirus), the question arises whether passengers are entitled to compensation in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 (Passenger Rights Regulation). The regulation also applies to Switzerland as a result of the agreement on air transport between the Swiss Confederation and the European Community, concluded on 21 June 1999 (SR 0.748.127.192.68).

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