Air passenger rights in the United Kingdom (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: UK261, the version of Regulation 261/2004 retained in UK law, applies to flights departing from the United Kingdom, with compensation of GBP 220, 350 or 520 by distance. The Civil Aviation Authority is the designated enforcement body.

RuleWhat applies
Governing regulationDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flightsUK261 (Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 as retained in UK law) [1]
Arrival delay giving a right to compensationDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flights3 hours [2]
Compensation: flights up to 1,500 kmDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flights£220.00 per passenger [3]
Compensation: flights of 1,500 to 3,500 kmDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flights£350.00 per passenger [3]
Compensation: flights over 3,500 kmDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flights£520.00 per passenger [3]
Care and refund when a flight is delayedDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flightsMeals and refreshments, two communications and, if an overnight stay is needed, hotel and transport, offered after a departure delay of 2 hours (flights up to 1,500 km), 3 hours (flights of 1,500 to 3,500 km) or 4 hours (all other flights). At a delay of 5 hours or more, passengers may choose reimbursement of the ticket. [4]
Which flights are coveredDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flightsFlights departing from an airport in the United Kingdom. Flights from an airport in another country to the United Kingdom when the operating carrier is a UK or EU carrier, unless the passengers already received benefits or compensation and assistance in that country. Flights from another country to an EU Member State when the operating carrier is a UK carrier. [1]
National enforcement bodyDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flightsCivil Aviation Authority (CAA), designated body under regulation 5 of the Civil Aviation (Denied Boarding, Compensation and Assistance) Regulations 2005 [5]

Notes

  • For arrival delays of 3 to 4 hours on flights over 3,500 km, the UK Civil Aviation Authority states the amount is GBP 260.

Sources

  1. UK Parliament / The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk): Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. UK Parliament / The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk): Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. UK Parliament / The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk): Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  4. UK Civil Aviation Authority: Delays | UK Civil Aviation Authority (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  5. UK Parliament / The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk): The Civil Aviation (Denied Boarding, Compensation and Assistance) Regulations 2005 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.