Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 establishes common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding, cancellation or long delay of flights. This fundamental piece of EU transport law protects all air passengers regardless of nationality.
In force since 17 February 2005, this regulation imposes strict obligations on airlines towards their passengers. It applies to all flights departing from an EU airport, as well as flights arriving in the EU operated by an EU-registered carrier. Compensation amounts are fixed: they do not depend on the ticket price, but solely on the flight distance.
Despite its wide scope, fewer than 15% of eligible passengers claim their rights. This comprehensive guide explains your rights and the steps to follow.
Compensation Amounts by Distance
Flights ≤ 1,500 km
Short-haul: London-Paris, Madrid-Barcelona, Rome-Milan...
Flights 1,500 – 3,500 km
Medium-haul: London-Istanbul, Berlin-Lisbon, Amsterdam-Tunis...
Flights > 3,500 km
Long-haul: London-New York, Frankfurt-Bangkok, Madrid-Mexico City...
When are you eligible?
Delay > 3 hours
Your flight arrived more than 3 hours late at the final destination. The delay is measured when the aircraft doors open.
Flight Cancellation
Your flight was cancelled and the airline notified you less than 14 days before the scheduled departure.
Denied Boarding
You were denied boarding against your will due to overbooking, despite holding a valid ticket and checking in on time.
Which flights are covered?
The regulation applies to two categories of flights:
- All flights departing from the EU (including Iceland, Norway, Switzerland), regardless of the airline — EU or non-EU.
- Flights arriving in the EU only if operated by an EU-registered airline.
Practical examples:
- ✅ Paris → New York with United Airlines → covered (EU departure)
- ✅ Dubai → Paris with Air France → covered (EU airline + EU arrival)
- ❌ Dubai → Paris with Emirates → not covered (non-EU airline + EU arrival)
- ✅ London → Barcelona with Ryanair → covered
The regulation also covers connecting flights booked under a single reservation: if your first flight is delayed causing you to miss your connection, compensation is calculated based on the final delay at your destination.
Extraordinary Circumstances
The airline is exempt from the obligation to compensate if it proves the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken:
- ⛈️ Extreme weather conditions: storms, dense fog, volcanic eruption making flight impossible
- 🔒 Security risks: bomb threat, political instability, airspace closure
- 🏗️ Air traffic controller strikes or airport staff strikes (external to the airline)
- 🐦 Bird strikes affecting aircraft safety
Important: technical faults and airline staff strikes (pilots, cabin crew) are generally NOT considered extraordinary circumstances under EU Court of Justice (CJEU) case law. In such cases, compensation is due.
Even in extraordinary circumstances, the airline must still provide care and assistance (meals, accommodation, communication).
Frequently Asked Questions about EC 261/2004
Yes, absolutely. The regulation applies to all airlines without exception — scheduled, low-cost or charter — as long as the flight falls within the geographical scope (EU departure or EU arrival with a European carrier).
Yes. The fixed compensation under the regulation is independent of ticket reimbursement. In case of cancellation, you are entitled to a refund OR re-routing, PLUS the €250 to €600 compensation.
The limitation period varies by country. In the UK it's 6 years, in Germany 3 years, in France 5 years. It is recommended to act as soon as possible to maximise your chances.
Airlines often cite weather as a default excuse. Request proof (METAR reports, air navigation reports). A specialist service can verify the actual weather data on the day of your flight and challenge the argument if conditions were not truly extraordinary.
Yes, if your flights were booked under a single reservation. The delay is measured at arrival at the final destination. If you miss your connection due to a delay on the first flight, it's the total delay at arrival that counts.