British Airways Australia Delay — EU261 or UK261?
UK261. British Airways is a UK carrier — UK261 applies in both directions for SYD–LHR and MEL–LHR. £520 (≈A$1,000) per passenger. Not EU261 anymore (post-Brexit the UK adopted UK261, with essentially identical amounts and conditions).
Check if your flight qualifies for compensation
Fill in the form below to find out if you can claim up to EUR 600 for a delayed or cancelled flight. No upfront cost - you pay only if you win.
Why UK261, Not EU261?
After Brexit (1 January 2021), the UK retained EU Regulation 261/2004 in domestic law as UK261. UK261 covers UK-departing flights and UK-carrier flights worldwide. BA is UK-registered — UK261 applies to every BA-operated flight, including SYD/MEL services to and from London.
£520 (≈A$1,000) per Passenger
UK261 long-haul tier (over 3,500 km) — fixed at £520. SYD/MEL → LHR is well over the threshold. Family of four: £2,080 (≈A$4,000).
Claim Quick Steps
- Capture actual arrival time at LHR or SYD/MEL (Flightradar24).
- File at ba.com → Help → Compensation. Cite UK Regulation 261/2004.
- Wait 4–8 weeks.
- Escalate to UK CAA or CEDR if rejected. UK statute of limitations: 6 years.
Quick Eligibility Check
Run the free 2-minute check at the ClaimWinger delayed-flight tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BA Australia covered by EU261 or UK261?
UK261. After Brexit, UK261 replaced EU261 for UK-departing flights and UK-carrier flights worldwide. BA is UK-registered, so every BA-operated flight (SYD–LHR, MEL–LHR, return both ways) falls under UK261. Amounts are essentially identical to EU261: £520 per passenger for long-haul (~A$1,000).
What's the difference between EU261 and UK261?
Mostly currency and jurisdiction. EU261 pays €600 long-haul; UK261 pays £520. EU261 enforced by national NEBs (DGAC, LBA, ENAC etc.); UK261 enforced by UK CAA + CEDR. UK statute of limitations: 6 years. EU national periods: 2–10 years (varies by country).
Does BA owe me both directions?
Yes. UK261 applies to BA-operated flights worldwide because BA is a UK carrier. SYD → LHR (outbound from Australia): covered. LHR → SYD/MEL (return): covered. Both pay £520 (≈A$1,000) per passenger for 3+ hour arrival delays or cancellations.
How do I file a UK261 claim against BA from Australia?
ba.com → Help → Compensation form. Include booking reference, BA flight number, date, actual final-arrival time. Cite UK Regulation 261/2004. Wait 4–8 weeks. Escalate to UK CAA or CEDR if rejected — both free. ClaimWinger handles the entire process from Australia.
What about BA codeshares with Qantas?
Operating carrier matters. If BA operated and Qantas marketed (QF flight number, BA aircraft) — UK261 applies via BA. If Qantas operated and BA marketed (BA flight number, QF aircraft) — UK261 only applies if departure is UK. Check 'operated by' on your boarding pass.
Check again - are you entitled to compensation?
Free verification • Up to EUR 600 • Pay only on success
Related articles
African Airline Refuses EU261 — What to Do (RAM, Kenya, Ethiopian, EgyptAir)
African non-EU carriers (RAM, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian, EgyptAir, SAA, Air Algérie, Tunisair) often delay or reject EU261 claims. Step-by-step escalation: airline rejection → NEB complaint → court act
Czytaj więcej →Air Algérie EU261 — Complete Guide for European Flights
Air Algérie (AH) is non-EU. EU261 covers ONLY EU/UK departures (Paris, Lyon, Marseille, London, Brussels, Madrid, Frankfurt, etc.). Return from Algiers/Oran/Constantine NOT covered. €250 short-haul /
Czytaj więcej →Air France Africa Flights EU261 — Quick Answer
Air France (AF) operates 30+ African destinations from Paris. French EU carrier — covered both directions on all routes. €250–€600 by distance. 5-year French limitation period (longest in the EU). Afr
Czytaj więcej →