The EU regulation 261/2004 is concerned with the following: It is intended for passengers who suffer delayed or cancelled flights, overbooking or denied boarding. Depending on the circumstances, and subject to certain conditions, it may give rise to a claim for compensation of between €250 and €600 per person.

Under the EU261 (EC 261/2004) regulation, compensation for flight delays and cancellations in 2026 is determined by the distance of the flight and the length of the delay. If your flight is delayed by more than three hours and the cause is within the airline's control (like a mechanical fault or crew scheduling), you are entitled to: €250 for flights under 1,500 km; €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km; and €600 for international flights over 3,500 km. If the airline re-routes you and you arrive within a few hours of your original schedule, these amounts may be reduced by 50%. It is important to note that you are not entitled to compensation for "extraordinary circumstances" like severe weather, air traffic control strikes, or political unrest. In addition to the cash payment, the airline must provide "Duty of Care," which includes food, drinks, and hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required. In 2026, many passengers use automated "claim services" to handle the legal paperwork, as airlines often try to deny initial claims by citing vague "technical issues."