UK Flight Compensation After Brexit: Does EU261 Still Apply in 2026?
Last updated: July 2026 · 6 min read
Short answer: yes. Brexit did not end UK passengers' rights to flight delay and cancellation compensation. The UK kept the substance of EU261 through domestic legislation — and actually gave UK passengers a longer window to claim than most EU countries.
UK vs EU — at a glance
| Rule | EU (EU261) | UK (UK261) |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation threshold | 3h+ delay | 3h+ delay |
| Short routes (<1,500km) | €250 | ~£220 |
| Medium routes (1,500–3,500km) | €400 | ~£350 |
| Long routes (>3,500km, 4h+) | €600 | ~£520 |
| Claim window | 1–6 yrs (varies) | 6 years |
| Non-EU/non-UK airlines | EU departures | UK departures |
What is UK261?
When the UK left the EU, it incorporated EU Regulation 261/2004 into domestic law via the Air Passenger Rights and Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. This is informally called "UK261" or "retained EU law."
The compensation amounts are expressed in Sterling (GBP) rather than Euros, calculated at the exchange rate at the time of the regulation taking effect: approximately £220, £350, and £520. The rules are otherwise substantively identical to EU261.
The 6-year claim window — UK's biggest advantage
The statute of limitations for UK261 claims is governed by the Limitation Act 1980, which sets a 6-year window for breach of statutory duty claims. This is the longest claim window in Europe — most EU countries have 1–3 years.
In practical terms: if you had a qualifying delay or cancellation from a UK airport (Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, etc.) any time from July 2020 onwards, you are still within the 6-year window as of July 2026.
Examples still within the UK window in 2026
- ✓ Ryanair 3h+ delay from Stansted, August 2020 → claimable until August 2026
- ✓ British Airways cancellation from Heathrow, December 2021 → claimable until December 2027
- ✓ Emirates flight LHR → DXB delayed 5h, March 2022 → claimable until March 2028
- ✓ easyJet cancellation from Gatwick, summer 2023 → years to go
When does UK261 apply — and when doesn't it?
Always covered — departing from UK airports
Any flight departing from a UK airport (LHR, LGW, MAN, EDI, BHX, etc.) on any airline is covered by UK261. This includes non-UK/non-EU airlines like Emirates, American Airlines, or Air Canada departing from UK airports.
Also covered — UK/EU carriers flying into UK
Flights operated by UK carriers (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet UK, Jet2) or EU carriers arriving in the UK are also covered for both directions. So a BA flight from New York to London is covered under UK261.
Not covered — non-UK/EU carrier arriving in UK from non-UK airport
An Emirates flight from Dubai to London (DXB → LHR) operated by Emirates (non-UK carrier) departing from a non-UK airport is NOT covered by UK261 on the inbound leg. It is covered on the outbound (LHR → DXB) leg.
What about flights between UK and EU post-Brexit?
This is where it gets interesting. For flights between the UK and EU after Brexit:
- — London → Paris on British Airways: UK261 applies (UK departure on UK carrier). EU261 also technically applies at the EU end. In practice, claim under UK261 — the 6-year window is longer.
- — Paris → London on Air France: EU261 applies (EU departure). UK261 also applies (EU carrier arriving in UK). Usually claim under whichever jurisdiction gives you the longest window — France has 5 years, UK has 6.
- — Paris → London on Ryanair (Irish carrier): EU261 applies at CDG. Ryanair is an Irish/EU carrier, so UK261 also covers the inbound to UK. Practical advice: file under UK261 for the longer window.
How to claim UK261 compensation
File directly with the airline
Start with a formal written claim to the airline's customer relations team. Reference "UK Regulation 261/2004" or "UK261" explicitly. Keep all documentation — boarding passes, booking confirmations, delay notifications.
Escalate to UK ADR if rejected
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approves two ADR schemes: CEDR and AviationADR. Both are free for passengers. Airlines must participate. Most cases resolve within 90 days.
Small claims court (MCOL)
Money Claim Online costs £25–£115. Airlines frequently settle before a hearing because legal costs exceed the compensation value. A 6-year window means you have time to pursue this carefully.
Use AirHelp — no win, no fee
AirHelp handles UK261 claims end-to-end. They charge ~25–35% only on success, and have deep experience with UK airlines and ADR schemes. Worth using if you don't want the hassle of chasing airlines yourself.
Find UK261-eligible flights in your inbox
SubRadar scans your Gmail or Outlook for UK and EU flight booking emails and flags potential UK261 claims — including flights going back up to 6 years. The scan is free.
Scan my flight emails freeLet AirHelp file your UK261 claim
AirHelp handles UK flight compensation claims, including dealing with CEDR, AviationADR, and UK courts. No win, no fee.
Check your UK261 claim with AirHelp →