Every year, millions of flights across Europe are cancelled. Most passengers don't realise they're entitled to significant financial compensation under EU law. If your flight departed from an EU airport (or arrived in the EU on an EU-based airline) and was cancelled, EU Regulation 261/2004 protects your rights.
The compensation amount depends on the distance of your flight: 250€ for flights under 1,500 km, 400€ for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and 600€ for flights over 3,500 km. This compensation is separate from any refund you may be entitled to for the ticket itself.
Airlines often try to avoid paying by claiming 'extraordinary circumstances' such as bad weather. However, the European Court of Justice has ruled that technical problems, staff shortages, and even some weather situations do NOT qualify as extraordinary circumstances.