Airline Reference

Complete Airline Database: EU261 Coverage and Compensation

Not all airlines are subject to EU261 in the same way. Learn which carriers are covered and their compensation obligations.

01

EU261 Airline Coverage Rules

EU261 applies to all airlines operating EU routes, but compensation depends on airline registration and flight origin/destination.

  • EU airlines: Liable for all routes (EU and international)
  • Non-EU airlines: Liable for flights departing EU/EEA airports
  • Non-EU airlines: Liable for EU flights to outside EU if airline is registered in EU
  • Low-cost carriers (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz): Fully covered
02

Major EU Airlines Covered

All major European carriers are fully subject to EU261 compensation rules without exemptions.

  • Lufthansa, Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet
  • Air France, British Airways, KLM, Iberia
  • Alitalia, TAP Air Portugal, Swiss International
  • Turkish Airlines, Emirates (on EU routes)
03

Non-EU Airlines on EU Routes

Non-EU carriers like United, American, and Delta must pay compensation for flights departing from EU airports.

  • United Airlines: Covered for EU departures
  • American Airlines: Covered for EU departures
  • Delta Air Lines: Covered for EU departures
  • Compensation same as EU airlines (€250-€600)
04

Special Circumstances and Exemptions

Some airlines may claim exemptions based on extraordinary circumstances, but burden of proof is on the airline.

  • Extraordinary circumstances reduce/eliminate compensation obligation
  • Airlines must prove circumstances were unavoidable
  • Technical defects are usually airline responsibility
  • Bad weather claims are commonly disputed

References