Guide · updated 12 November 2026
Flights from Serbia: when you’re owed up to €600
Serbia isn’t in the EU, but it adopted the EU passenger rights rules. Every flight departing Serbia qualifies for the same amounts as in the EU: €250, €400 or €600 per passenger, whatever the airline.
The key rule
| Flight | Rules that apply |
|---|---|
| From Serbia, on any airline (Belgrade to Dortmund, Niš to Memmingen) | Serbian law, which adopted Regulation (EC) 261/2004 |
| From the EU to Serbia (Vienna to Belgrade) | Regulation (EC) 261/2004 |
| From outside Europe to Serbia (Dubai to Belgrade) | Serbian law, if Air Serbia or an EU airline operates the flight |
Serbia’s Law on Obligations and the Basics of Property Relations in Air Transport (Official Gazette RS Nos 87/2011 and 66/2015) adopted Regulation 261/2004 under the European Common Aviation Area agreement. Serbia’s Civil Aviation Directorate states that it covers all flights departing from airports in Serbia.
Amounts and delays
For cancellations and denied boarding the amounts match the EU: €250 up to 1,500 km, €400 for 1,500 to 3,500 km and €600 over 3,500 km. For delays of three hours or more the Directorate refers to the EU Court’s Sturgeon ruling, under which such a delay gives the same rights as a cancellation. Airlines sometimes dispute this, which is where having someone who knows how to answer helps most.
The 90-day deadline
The complaint to the airline is due within 90 days of the flight. If the airline doesn’t resolve it within 60 days, a complaint can go to the Civil Aviation Directorate, which can take action against the airline. Compensation itself is ultimately awarded by a court. So contact us as soon as you’re back.
Wizz Air and other EU airlines
On Wizz Air flights (W6, W4) from Serbia into the EU, EU rules apply as well, because an EU airline is flying into the EU. See the Wizz Air guide. For Air Serbia there’s a separate guide.
Luggage
On international flights the Montreal Convention, ratified by Serbia, applies to luggage, so the same rules and deadlines apply whatever the airline. See the luggage guide.
This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. We check every claim individually.