Air Passenger Rights by Country

Both UK261 and EC261 set a consistent baseline — the same three compensation tiers and the same covered disruption types — but the way each country implements and enforces the regulation varies significantly. Claim time limits range from 2 years (Netherlands) to 6 years (UK and Ireland). Some countries have free ADR schemes covering all airlines; others rely primarily on the courts.

The enforcement body matters too. Spain's AESA accepts individual complaints and issues binding resolutions. Germany's SÖP is a free arbitration scheme covering every airline regardless of whether they've opted in. France has the MTV mediator. Ireland's CAR runs the SARP scheme specifically for flight compensation. The UK's CAA provides an oversight role while airlines must join approved ADR providers like CEDR.

Country-specific case law also creates important nuances. German courts consistently rule that aircraft technical faults are not extraordinary circumstances. French courts have extended Krüsemann to cover a broad range of Air France operational disruptions. Irish courts have natural jurisdiction over Ryanair as its registered home, making Dublin a favourable venue even for non-Irish departures.

Use the country guides above to understand the specific rules, enforcement pathways, and legal quirks that apply to your disrupted flight — then use our flight checker to calculate your entitlement in seconds.