Delayed or Cancelled Flight to Egypt: Your EU261 Rights Explained
Europe–Egypt is one of the busiest intercontinental corridors. Millions travel to Cairo, Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh annually. If your flight was delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to up to €600 per person. This guide covers every route, airline and country deadline.
Quick answer
EU261 covers all airlines on EU departure flights to Egypt (including EgyptAir). Cairo routes: €400. Hurghada/Sharm routes: €600 (long-haul). London departures: £520 (UK261 long-haul). EgyptAir not covered on return flights from Egypt.
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Compensation by Route
| Route | Compensation | Tier | EgyptAir | EU carrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris → Cairo (~3,200 km) | €400 | Medium-haul | ✅ (EU dep.) | ✅✅ |
| Paris → Hurghada (~3,550 km) | €600 | Long-haul | ✅ (EU dep.) | ✅✅ |
| Paris → Sharm (~3,650 km) | €600 | Long-haul | ✅ (EU dep.) | ✅✅ |
| London → Cairo (~3,520 km) | £520 | Long-haul (UK261) | ✅ (UK dep.) | ✅✅ |
| Amsterdam → Cairo (~3,500 km) | €400 | Medium-haul | ✅ (EU dep.) | ✅✅ |
| Frankfurt → Cairo (~2,900 km) | €400 | Medium-haul | ✅ (EU dep.) | ✅✅ |
| Brussels → Cairo (~2,900 km) | €400 | Medium-haul | ✅ (EU dep.) | ✅✅ |
| Cairo → Paris (EgyptAir) | — | Not covered | ❌ | ✅ (Air France) |
| Hurghada → Amsterdam (EgyptAir) | — | Not covered | ❌ | ✅ (EU carriers) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When does EU261 apply on Europe–Egypt flights?
EU261 applies in two scenarios: (1) Any airline departing from an EU airport to Egypt — this covers EgyptAir, Air France, Transavia, Lufthansa, KLM and all other airlines on EU departures. (2) EU-registered carriers departing from Egypt back to Europe — Air France, Transavia, KLM, Lufthansa, etc. are covered on the return. EgyptAir is NOT covered on return flights from Cairo, Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh.
How much compensation for Europe–Egypt flight delays?
Compensation depends on route distance: Paris/Frankfurt/Amsterdam/Brussels to Cairo (~2,900–3,500 km) — medium-haul tier: €400. London to Cairo (~3,520 km) — just above 3,500 km, long-haul tier: £520 (UK261). Paris/London to Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh (~3,550–3,650 km) — long-haul tier: €600 (EU261) or £520 (UK261). All require a 3+ hour arrival delay or cancellation within 14 days.
What's special about Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh flights for compensation?
These popular Red Sea resort destinations are further from Europe than Cairo, pushing them into the long-haul compensation tier (over 3,500 km). From Paris, Hurghada is ~3,550 km and Sharm el-Sheikh ~3,650 km — both triggering €600 compensation per person under EU261 (vs €400 for medium-haul Cairo routes). These flights are commonly operated by charter airlines like TUI, Condor and Thomas Cook — all EU carriers covered both ways.
EgyptAir says their flights from Paris are not covered by EU261 — is that true?
No. EgyptAir commonly claims EU261 doesn't apply to them as a non-European carrier. This is legally wrong. EU261 Article 3(1)(a) is explicit: it applies to all passengers departing from an airport in EU territory, regardless of carrier nationality. EgyptAir cannot opt out of EU261 on Paris, Amsterdam or Frankfurt departure flights. Challenge any rejection citing Article 3(1)(a) and escalate to the enforcement body in your departure country.
What are the time limits for claiming EU261 for Egypt flights?
Time limits vary by departure country: Belgium 1 year (most urgent), Netherlands 2 years, Italy 2 years, Germany 3 years, France 5 years, Spain 5 years, UK 6 years. If you flew from Belgium, act immediately. Even from France with a 5-year window, delay unnecessarily risks lost evidence. Check your specific country's deadline and file as soon as possible.
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