Aviation law is the branch of law that governs all legal aspects of air travel, flight operations, and aircraft use.
It defines the rules, rights, and responsibilities of airlines, airports, aircrew, and passengers — ensuring safety, fairness, and accountability in the aviation industry.
Learn More About the Definition of "Aviation Law"
Aviation law combines international treaties, European regulations, and national legislation to regulate how air transport operates across borders.
It covers everything from aircraft certification and airspace management to passenger rights, insurance, environmental standards, and accident investigation.
For air passengers, the most relevant framework is Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 (EU261) and its UK equivalent, UK261, which establish compensation and assistance rules when flights are delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Main sources of aviation law:
- International treaties such as the Chicago Convention (1944) and Montreal Convention (1999)
- European Union law (EU261/2004, GDPR, air safety regulations)
- UK aviation law post-Brexit (UK261, Civil Aviation Authority guidelines)
- National civil aviation authorities and enforcement bodies
- Airline contracts of carriage (the fine print governing passenger-airline relations)
How Aviation Law protects passengers
Aviation law ensures that air travel operates under clear and enforceable rules, balancing the interests of airlines and passengers.
For travellers, this means:
- Legal rights in cases of delay, cancellation, or denied boarding
- Right to care (meals, accommodation, communication) during disruptions
- Right to compensation or refund under EU261/UK261
- Protection of personal data and travel records under GDPR
- Safety and security standards for aircraft and crew
Without these legal frameworks, passengers would depend solely on airline policies — which vary widely and often offer minimal protection.
Why it matters?
Understanding aviation law empowers passengers to travel with confidence and to act when airlines fail to meet their obligations.It’s also essential for professionals in travel, tourism, and logistics — as it defines the legal environment for international transport.
How AireClaim uses Aviation Law?
AireClaim’s legal team applies EU261, Montreal Convention, and related national laws to defend passengers’ rights and recover compensation.
We interpret the law in your favour, using flight data, precedents, and court rulings to challenge airline denials and enforce compliance.
You only pay a success fee if we win.
- Start here: Check eligibility & start your flight claim
- Read more: Passenger Rights under EU261
FAQs about What is Aviation Law
International aviation law sets global standards through treaties like the Montreal Convention, while EU aviation law adds specific regional rules such as EU261/2004 for passenger compensation. Learn more in EU Regulation 261.
The Montreal Convention (1999) is an international treaty that governs airline liability for lost baggage, injury, or damage during international flights. It complements EU261 but covers different types of claims. Learn more in EU Regulation 261.