EU261 explained: compensation for delayed and cancelled flights in Europe
Sources checked 2026-09-28. General information, not legal advice.
Regulation (EC) 261/2004, usually called EU261, protects passengers on flights departing the EU on any airline, and on flights arriving in the EU from outside when the airline is an EU airline. It also applies to flights to and from Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.
Which flights are covered
- Flights within the EU, on any airline.
- Flights departing the EU to a non-EU country, on any airline.
- Flights arriving in the EU from outside, when operated by an EU airline.
- Not if you already received compensation, rerouting or assistance for the same problem under another country's law.
How much you can get
€250 for flights of 1,500 km or less, €400 for flights within the EU over 1,500 km and all other flights of 1,500 to 3,500 km, and €600 for flights over 3,500 km.
For a delay of at least 3 but less than 4 hours on a flight over 3,500 km between the EU and a non-EU country, the amount is halved. If the airline rerouted you and you arrived within 2, 3 or 4 hours of the original time (by distance band), compensation can be reduced by 50%.
Delays, cancellations and denied boarding
- Delay: compensation if you reach your final destination 3 hours or more late, unless the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances (Court of Justice, Sturgeon, C-402/07).
- Cancellation: compensation if you were told less than 14 days before departure, unless the airline offered rerouting within the time windows set by the rules or it proves extraordinary circumstances. You can also choose a refund, rerouting as soon as possible, or rerouting later.
- Denied boarding (for example overbooking): compensation, a choice of refund or rerouting, and assistance.
- Delayed 5 hours or more at departure: the airline must refund your ticket if you no longer want to travel.
Meals, calls and a hotel while you wait
From a 2-hour delay on flights up to 1,500 km (3 hours on 1,500 to 3,500 km flights and longer intra-EU flights, 4 hours on other flights), the airline must provide meals and refreshments in proportion to the wait and 2 free phone calls or emails. If the new departure is the next day, it must provide a hotel and transport. If it doesn't, keep receipts: reasonable expenses should be reimbursed.
Extraordinary circumstances
No compensation is due if the airline proves the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances that couldn't have been avoided even with all reasonable measures, such as air traffic management decisions, political instability, adverse weather or security risks.
Most technical problems found during maintenance or caused by failing to maintain the aircraft are not extraordinary (Court of Justice, Wallentin-Hermann, C-549/07), and neither are strikes by the airline's own staff.
How to claim
- Complain to the operating airline first, using its complaint form.
- If it doesn't reply within 2 months, or you're not satisfied, complain to the national enforcement body in the country where the incident happened.
- EU residents can also use alternative dispute resolution, or the European Small Claims procedure. Time limits for going to court are set by each country's national law.
- A reform of EU261 was agreed in June 2026. According to the European Commission it keeps these amounts and the 3-hour threshold; until it applies, the current rules above still apply.
Related
Frequently asked questions
How much is EU261 compensation?
€250, €400 or €600 depending on flight distance (up to 1,500 km, 1,500 to 3,500 km or longer intra-EU flights, and over 3,500 km).
Does EU261 cover my flight from Canada to Europe?
Only if the airline is an EU airline (or from Iceland, Norway or Switzerland). Flights departing Europe are covered on any airline.
Is a technical fault an extraordinary circumstance?
Usually not. Most technical problems found during maintenance or caused by poor maintenance don't count as extraordinary circumstances.
How long do I have to claim EU261 compensation?
EU261 itself has no single deadline: the time limit depends on the national law of the country where you bring the claim. Claim as soon as you can.