UK261 flight delay and cancellation compensation – know your rights

Travel disruptions can spoil any trip, but there are steps you can take to reduce the impact of flight delays or cancellations. UK261 regulations are designed to ensure that air passengers travelling to and from the UK have clear rights when faced with cancellations, denied boarding, or significant delays on both domestic and international flights. Understanding how to apply for and claim flight delay or cancellation compensation can make air travel far less stressful.

Check Compensation

Recently disrupted flights

The table below lists flights that have recently been delayed or cancelled. Find your flight to check your eligibility and let Skycop handle your claim.

Date Flight Route Status Your compensation
04.12.2026
09:50
KL1231
Amsterdam AMS
Gothenborg GOT
Cancelled
21.03.2026
20:10
Wizz Air Malta
W46230
Jeddah JED
Cancelled
17.03.2026
23:15
TP88
Sao Paulo GRU
Cancelled
15.03.2026
14:05
Wizz Air Malta
W43267
Dubai DXB
Cancelled
13.03.2026
20:50
LH898
Vilnius VNO
Cancelled
13.03.2026
05:50
FR733
Amman AMM
Cancelled
12.03.2026
19:35
FR2941
Charleroi CRL
Faro FAO
Cancelled
12.03.2026
15:00
LH895
Vilnius VNO
Cancelled

What is Regulation 261 in the UK?

Regulation UK261 is the UK’s air passenger rights regulation, designed to protect travellers when flights are delayed, cancelled, or when boarding is denied. UK261 applies to flights departing from UK airports, as well as flights arriving in the UK operated by a UK or eligible non-UK carrier, and provides compensation in eligible cases.

EU261 vs UK261 after Brexit

EU 261 UK 261
Jurisdiction Flights within the UK or departing from the UK Flights departing from or arriving in the UK
Compensation Up to £520 Up to £520
Legal authority EU courts UK courts

How to get UK261 compensation

Successfully claiming compensation under UK261 requires a clear understanding of Regulation 261.

To help you navigate the flight delay compensation process, Skycop has prepared an expert guide to walk you through every step. Claim compensation with Skycop for your flight disruption and let us handle the entire claims process on your behalf.

If you are seeking compensation of up to £520, find out if you are eligible

or

UK261 compensation: key points

  • Up to £520 compensation for flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding, depending on the distance travelled.

  • Airlines must offer a replacement flight or a full refund in the event of a cancellation or denied boarding.

  • For flight delays of more than three hours, you may be entitled to claim UK flight delay compensation under UK261 regulations.

  • Flight compensation is not available for disruptions caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as extreme weather or air traffic control strikes.

  • Passengers can claim compensation directly from the airline or pursue flight delay compensation with Skycop.

UK261 compensation for flight delays: your rights and payouts

Passengers travelling to or from the UK may be entitled to compensation if their flight is delayed or cancelled due to airline-related reasons. To qualify for UK flight delay compensation:

  • The flight must depart from the UK, or arrive in the UK and be operated by a UK or eligible non-UK airline.
  • The flight must arrive at the final destination more than three hours late.
  • The delay must be caused by the airline, such as technical faults or staffing issues, rather than extraordinary circumstances.

Flight delay compensation amounts based on delay length and flight distance

Flight distance Delay period Compensation amount
Up to 932 miles 3+ hours £220
932 to 2,175 miles 3+ hours £350
Over 2,175 miles (UK to non-UK destinations) 3-4 hours £260
Over 2,175 miles (UK to non-UK destinations) 4+ hours £520

What to do if your flight is delayed

  • Step 1: If your flight is delayed, confirm the cause of the delay to check whether you are entitled to compensation.

  • Step 2: Keep your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any correspondence from the airline.

  • Step 3: Contact the airline directly with your flight details and request flight delay compensation.

UK261 compensation for flight cancellations: what you need to know

When airlines cancel flights, air passengers are protected under UK261 air passenger rights. Depending on the flight distance, you may be entitled to compensation, a replacement flight, or a full refund.

Please note that under UK261 regulations, you may not be entitled to compensation if your flight delay or cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as extreme weather, security risks, or political unrest.

How to Claim UK 261 Flight Compensation

If your flight to or from the UK was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, you may be entitled to up to £520 in compensation under UK261 regulations. Here is a step-by-step guide to help ensure airlines pay the compensation owed for flight disruptions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Compensation Claim

  • Step 1: Check that you are eligible to claim compensation by confirming whether your flight departed from or arrived in the UK.
  • Step 2: Keep all relevant documents, including boarding passes, flight numbers, airline correspondence, and any other supporting information.
  • Step 3: Submit a claim directly to the airline using their online claims form or by contacting their customer service team.

If you are having difficulty securing flight delay compensation due to issues such as long response times or a rejected claim, contact the Skycop team today.

Claim compensation for your disrupted flight

Check Compensation
Why choose Skycop?
  • We Know UK 261 Regulations

    Our expert team is highly knowledgeable in airline regulations and provides high-quality customer support.

  • No Win, No Fee

    We are committed to ensuring every air passenger receives the compensation they deserve, which is why we only charge a fee if your claim is successful and the airline pays compensation for your flight disruption.

Was Your Flight Disrupted?

Turn your flight delay, cancellation, or overbooking into compensation of up to £520!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are EU261 and UK261 the same?

    Not exactly. These two regulations exist today because of Brexit. Before the UK left the EU, both the EU and the UK followed EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261). After Brexit, the UK introduced its own version, known as UK261.

    While EU261 and UK261 are largely identical in terms of passenger rights and compensation, UK261 only applies to flights that are connected to the UK.

  • Does EU261 apply in the UK?

    No. Since Brexit, passengers travelling to and from the UK generally cannot rely on EU261. Instead, air passenger rights are protected under UK261.However, if you are flying from the EU to the UK on an EU airline, EU261 still applies. In this case, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, you may claim compensation under EU261 rather than UK261.

  • How do I know if my flight is covered by EU law or UK law?

    Determining whether you should claim under EU261 or UK261 can be confusing. However, it depends on where your flight departs from and the country in which the airline is registered.

    • UK261 applies if: Your plane departs from the UK, regardless of airline, or your flight arrives in the UK on a UK or eligible non-UK airline.
    • EU261 applies if: Your flight departs from the EU, regardless of airline, or Your flight arrives in the EU on an EU airline.
See All Questions
WhatsApp +370 685 67010