Airline Guide··6 min read

EgyptAir EU261 Compensation: When Can You Claim?

EgyptAir is an Egyptian carrier — not EU-registered. EU261 applies only when EgyptAir departs from an EU airport. Return flights from Cairo, Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh are not covered. This guide shows exactly which routes are covered and how to challenge EgyptAir rejections.

Quick answer

EgyptAir departing from EU airports → EU261 applies (€400 Cairo routes, €600 Hurghada/Sharm routes). EgyptAir departing from Egypt → Not covered by EU261. London departures → UK261 applies (£520 long-haul).

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Route Coverage: Covered vs Not Covered

Route (EgyptAir)Covered?Amount
Paris CDG → Cairo CAI (EgyptAir)€400
Paris CDG → Hurghada HRG (EgyptAir)€600
Frankfurt FRA → Cairo CAI (EgyptAir)€400
Amsterdam AMS → Cairo CAI (EgyptAir)€400
Brussels BRU → Cairo CAI (EgyptAir)€400
London LHR → Cairo CAI (EgyptAir)£520 (UK261)
Cairo CAI → Paris CDG (EgyptAir)
Hurghada HRG → Amsterdam AMS (EgyptAir)
Sharm el-Sheikh SSH → London LHR (EgyptAir)
Cairo CAI → Frankfurt FRA (EgyptAir)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does EU261 apply to EgyptAir departing from Paris, Frankfurt or Amsterdam?

Yes. EU261 applies to all airlines departing from EU airports, including non-EU carriers like EgyptAir. EgyptAir departing from Paris CDG, Frankfurt FRA, Amsterdam AMS, Brussels BRU, Rome FCO or any other EU airport is fully subject to EU261. A 3+ hour arrival delay at Cairo entitles each passenger to €400 (medium-haul) or €600 (long-haul for Hurghada/Sharm routes).

EgyptAir rejected my EU261 claim saying they are not an EU airline — correct?

No. This is a legally incorrect response that EgyptAir commonly gives. EU261 Article 3(1)(a) is unambiguous: the regulation applies to all passengers departing from an airport situated in the territory of a Member State, regardless of the carrier. EgyptAir cannot invoke its non-EU status to avoid EU261 on EU departure flights. Challenge the rejection by citing Article 3(1)(a) and escalate to the national enforcement body.

How do I escalate an EgyptAir EU261 rejection?

The enforcement body in your departure country has jurisdiction. For Paris departures: DGAC (France) or Médiateur du Tourisme et du Voyage. For Frankfurt departures: LBA (Germany) or SÖP. For Amsterdam departures: ILT (Netherlands) or Geschillencommissie Luchtvaart. For Brussels departures: DGTA Belgium or OmbudsMan Voyages (note Belgium's 1-year deadline). For London departures: CEDR Aviation (UK261 applies, not EU261).

Can I claim EU261 for Cairo → Paris return flights?

No. EgyptAir is not an EU-registered carrier, and Cairo International Airport is not in EU territory. EU261 only covers non-EU departures for EU-registered carriers. Since EgyptAir is not EU-registered, return flights from Cairo, Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh on EgyptAir are not covered by EU261. Your rights for those flights are under Egyptian aviation law.

What compensation for Paris to Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh on EgyptAir?

Paris to Hurghada (HRG) is approximately 3,550 km and Paris to Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) approximately 3,650 km — both above the 3,500 km threshold, in the long-haul tier. EU261 compensation is €600 per person (not €400) for a 3+ hour arrival delay or cancellation within 14 days. This is the highest compensation tier under EU261 — applicable to EgyptAir on EU departures for these resort routes.

    Was your flight delayed or cancelled?

    Check whether you are owed compensation of up to EUR 600.