UK261 passenger rights

The UK regime provides care, rerouting or refunds and, in eligible cases, fixed compensation for disruption.

UKUK261Rules reviewed August 2026

When UK261 applies

Flights departing a UK airport on any airline.
Flights arriving in the UK from outside the UK on a UK or EU airline.
Flights arriving in the EU from outside the UK on a UK airline may also fall within the retained regime; overlapping claims cannot be paid twice.

Delay, cancellation and denied boarding

Arrival delay of 3 hours or more may qualify for fixed compensation when the airline is responsible.
For a cancellation, you can choose a refund or rerouting and may be entitled to compensation when notice was given less than 14 days before departure.
Involuntary denied boarding normally gives rights to compensation, rerouting or refund, and care.
The airline must provide reasonable food and drink, communications, and overnight accommodation/transport when the relevant waiting-time threshold is met.

At a glance

UK261 compensation

Flight distance	Arrival delay	Amount per passenger
1,500 km or less	3+ hours	£220
1,500–3,500 km	3+ hours	£350
Over 3,500 km	3–4 hours	£260
Over 3,500 km	4+ hours	£520

When fixed compensation may not be due

Extraordinary circumstances outside the airline’s responsibility, provided the airline took all reasonable measures.
Examples can include severe weather, air traffic control restrictions, security risks and certain external strikes.
Refund, rerouting and care rights are separate from fixed compensation and may still apply.

Official basis

UK CAA delay guidance

UK CAA delay guidance UK Regulation (EC) No 261/2004

Information, not legal advice

Rules can change and outcomes depend on the operating airline, itinerary, notice, cause and evidence. This guide is general information only and is not legal advice. Check the current official source before making a claim.

Delay, cancellation and denied boarding

Arrival delay of 3 hours or more may qualify for fixed compensation when the airline is responsible.

For a cancellation, you can choose a refund or rerouting and may be entitled to compensation when notice was given less than 14 days before departure.

Involuntary denied boarding normally gives rights to compensation, rerouting or refund, and care.

The airline must provide reasonable food and drink, communications, and overnight accommodation/transport when the relevant waiting-time threshold is met.

Flight distance

Arrival delay

Amount per passenger

1,500 km or less

3+ hours

£220

1,500–3,500 km

3+ hours

£350

Over 3,500 km

3–4 hours

£260

Over 3,500 km

4+ hours

£520