The EU261 Regulation, officially known as Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, is a European law that protects air passengers when their flights are delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, or when they are denied boarding.
It establishes the rights to care, reimbursement, re-routing, and financial compensation — up to €600 — depending on the distance and length of delay.
Learn More About the Definition of EU 261 Regulation
Adopted in 2004 by the European Parliament, EU261/2004 sets out common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of flight disruption.
It applies to:
- Flights departing from any EU/EEA/UK airport, regardless of the airline.
- Flights arriving in the EU/EEA/UK, if operated by an EU or UK-registered carrier.
The regulation was later mirrored in the UK as UK261 after Brexit, maintaining nearly identical rights for passengers travelling to, from, or within the United Kingdom.
What situations does EU261 cover?
You’re protected under EU261/2004 in cases of:
- Flight delay of 3 hours or more on arrival.
- Flight cancellation announced less than 14 days before departure.
- Denied boarding due to overbooking or airline error.
- Downgrading to a lower class than booked.
- Missed connections within the same booking caused by a delay on a previous leg.
Compensation amounts (EU261)
| Flight Distance | Compensation (€) |
| Up to 1,500 km | €250 |
| 1,500–3,500 km | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km | €600 |
Besides financial compensation, passengers have the right to care, including:
- Meals and refreshments during the delay.
- Hotel accommodation if overnight stay is required.
- Transport between hotel and airport.
- Two free phone calls or emails.
Why does it matter?
EU261 is one of the most powerful passenger protection laws in the world. It ensures airlines are accountable and passengers are not left alone when disruptions occur.Knowing your rights means you can act quickly, gather the right evidence, and claim what you’re legally entitled to — without stress or guesswork.
How does AireClaim help with EU261 Claim?
AireClaim was created to make EU261 compensation easy. We handle the full process — from eligibility check to airline negotiation and, if needed, legal enforcement.
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 EU 261 Regulation
Yes — if your journey departed from the EU/UK, or was operated by an EU/UK airline arriving into the EU/UK, you’re covered.
If it departed from an EU or UK airport, you’re still protected by EU261/UK261 — even if the airline is based elsewhere.
This depends on the country of departure. In Portugal, for instance, you typically have 3 years to submit your claim; in Spain, 5 years. AireClaim checks the exact limitation period for your route automatically. Learn more in EU261 Regulation.