Does EU261 Apply to Flights to Africa? Quick Answer
Yes — EU261/UK261 applies to flights from EU/UK to any African destination (any airline). For return flights Africa → EU/UK, only EU/UK-registered carriers are covered. Compensation: €250 / €400 / €600 by distance.
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The Two-Trigger Rule
- EU/UK departure: any flight from any EU/UK airport, on any airline, is covered.
- EU/UK carrier to EU/UK: any flight to an EU/UK airport on an EU/UK-registered airline is covered.
Compensation by Distance
- €250 / £220 — Up to 1,500 km. E.g., Spain/Italy to Morocco/Tunisia.
- €400 / £350 — 1,500-3,500 km. Most North Africa from Central/Northern Europe.
- €600 / £520 — Over 3,500 km. Most Sub-Saharan Africa from any European city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does EU261 apply to flights to Africa?
Yes. EU261/UK261 applies to (1) ALL flights departing an EU/UK airport, regardless of carrier nationality (so any flight EU/UK → Africa is covered), AND (2) flights TO an EU/UK airport on an EU/UK-registered carrier (so return flights Africa → EU/UK on KLM, BA, Air France, Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, TAP, Iberia, Swiss are covered). Non-EU airlines flying back to EU/UK are NOT covered.
How much compensation?
Distance-based: €250 / £220 short-haul (≤1,500 km), €400 / £350 medium-haul (1,500-3,500 km), €600 / £520 long-haul (>3,500 km). Most Sub-Saharan Africa is long-haul (€600 / £520). North Africa is mostly medium-haul (€400). Spain/Italy to Tunisia/Morocco can be short-haul (€250).
When can I claim?
Arrival delay of 3+ hours at final destination on a single ticket. Cancellation with less than 14 days notice. Denied boarding (overbooking).
How to file?
File at the operating carrier's website. Cite EU Regulation 261/2004 / UK Regulation 261/2004. Wait 4-8 weeks. Escalate to the National Enforcement Body of the EU/UK departure country if rejected. Or use a no-win-no-fee service like ClaimWinger.
What about return flights?
Return Africa → EU/UK is covered IF the carrier is EU/UK-registered (KLM, BA, AF, LH, SN, TAP, IB, LX). Non-EU airline (RAM, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian, EgyptAir, SAA, Air Algérie, Tunisair) returning to EU/UK is NOT covered.
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