Does EU261 Apply to Non-EU Airlines Like Emirates, Delta or Turkish?
Yes — but only on certain routes. The key rule: EU261 covers all airlines on departures from EU airports, but only EU carriers on arrivals into the EU from outside. The direction of travel and the airline's registration both matter.
Quick answer
Any airline on a flight departing from an EU airport is covered by EU261 — including Emirates, Delta, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways. For flights arriving in the EU from outside, only EU-registered carriers (Air France, Lufthansa, Ryanair, etc.) are covered.
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The EU261 Applicability Rules
Article 3(1) of EU Regulation 261/2004 sets out two separate coverage rules:
- Rule 1: The regulation applies to all passengers departing from an airport in an EU member state, regardless of which airline operates the flight.
- Rule 2: The regulation also applies to passengers departing from an airport in a non-EU country, if the operating carrier is a Community carrier (i.e., an EU-licensed airline) and the destination is in the EU.
Airline: Any airline (EU or non-EU)
Dubai → London on Emirates: does NOT apply (non-EU airline, inbound). London → Dubai on Emirates: APPLIES (EU departure).
Airline: EU/UK carrier only
New York → Paris on Air France: APPLIES. New York → Paris on Delta: does NOT apply.
Airline: Any airline
Dubai → New York on any airline: does NOT apply.
Coverage by Major Airline
| Airline | EU departure | Non-EU departure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | ✅ | ❌ | IATA non-EU carrier — applies only on EU departure legs |
| Delta Air Lines | ✅ | ❌ | US carrier — EU outbound flights covered |
| Turkish Airlines | ✅ | ❌ | Non-EU (Turkey) carrier — EU departure triggers EU261 |
| Air France | ✅ | ✅ | EU carrier — both directions covered |
| British Airways | ✅ | ✅ | UK carrier — UK261 for UK departures; EU261 for EU departures |
| Ryanair | ✅ | ✅ | EU carrier (Ireland) — covered everywhere |
| Qatar Airways | ✅ | ❌ | Non-EU carrier — EU departure legs covered |
| Etihad Airways | ✅ | ❌ | Non-EU carrier — EU departure legs covered |
Codeshare Flights: Which Carrier Counts?
When you book a codeshare flight (marketed by one airline, operated by another), EU261 looks at the operating carrier — the airline that physically operates the aircraft. If you book via Lufthansa but the flight is operated by United Airlines from Chicago, United is the relevant carrier.
The marketing carrier (the name on your ticket) is generally not relevant for EU261 applicability purposes, though you should still notify them of your claim since your contract is with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
I flew from Dubai to London on Emirates — can I claim EU261?
No. Emirates is a non-EU carrier (registered in the UAE), and the flight departed from Dubai, which is outside the EU. EU261 only covers non-EU airline flights if they depart from an EU member state airport. Dubai → London does not meet this criterion, even though it arrives in the UK. You would need to look at UK/UAE bilateral air service agreements for any applicable rights.
I flew from Paris to New York on Air France — can I claim?
Yes. Air France is an EU carrier (registered in France), and the flight departed from Paris CDG, which is an EU airport. Both conditions for EU261 are met. A 3+ hour arrival delay in New York would entitle you to €600 compensation (over 3,500 km).
What about Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul to Amsterdam?
No. Turkish Airlines is a non-EU carrier (Turkey is not in the EU), and Istanbul is outside the EU. The flight arrives in Amsterdam (EU) but departs from a non-EU airport on a non-EU airline. Neither condition for EU261 coverage is met for this direction. However, Amsterdam → Istanbul on Turkish Airlines IS covered, because it departs from an EU airport.
Does EU261 apply if the codeshare is with an EU airline?
The relevant carrier is the operating carrier — the airline that actually operates the flight — not the marketing carrier on whose ticket you fly. If you book with Lufthansa but the flight is operated by United Airlines (a US carrier) from a non-EU airport, EU261 does not apply. If operated from Frankfurt by Lufthansa, it does apply.
What is UK261 and how does it differ?
UK261 is the UK-retained version of EU261 post-Brexit. It applies to: (1) all flights departing from a UK airport regardless of airline, and (2) flights arriving in the UK on UK carriers (British Airways, Virgin, easyJet UK, etc.) from non-UK airports. The amounts are in GBP: £220 / £350 / £520.
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