UK261 (UK-retained EC 261/2004)
UK261 Passenger Rights: Flight Compensation After Brexit
When the UK left the EU it kept EU261 almost word-for-word as UK law, now known informally as UK261. The structure is identical — fixed compensation for long delays, short-notice cancellations, and bumping — but the amounts are set in pounds and the regulator is the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Reviewed June 2026 · Source: the UK Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk) and UK-retained EC 261/2004
What you're owed
£220 / £350 / £520 by distance, for delays of 3+ hours
Enforced by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
When UK261 applies
UK261 covers flights departing a UK airport on any airline, and flights arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline. Flights between the UK and the EU can be covered by both regimes depending on direction and airline — but you only claim once.
Compensation amounts
The amount tracks EU261's distance bands, in sterling:
- £220 — flights of 1,500 km or less
- £350 — flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
- £520 — flights over 3,500 km (halved to £260 for a 3–4 hour long-haul delay)
What triggers compensation
As under EU261: arriving 3+ hours late, a cancellation with under 14 days' notice, or involuntary denied boarding — unless the airline proves an extraordinary circumstance.
Care, refunds and re-routing
You have the same right to meals, communication and (for overnight delays) a hotel, and the same right to choose between a full refund and re-routing when a flight is cancelled or heavily delayed.
Check your own flight
See instantly whether your specific flight qualifies and how much it's worth — free, no personal data.
Check my compensationFrequently asked questions
Do I claim under EU261 or UK261 for a London–Paris flight?
It depends on direction and airline. Leaving the UK, UK261 applies. Leaving Paris, EU261 applies. Either way you claim once, for the same disruption — pick the regime that governs your departure and cite it in your letter.
Who enforces UK261 if the airline refuses?
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), or an approved alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body the airline belongs to. Claim from the airline first, then escalate if they refuse without good reason.