How Long Do I Have to Claim EU261 for Australia–Europe Flight?

How long do I have to claim?

Depends on departure country. UK: 6 years (longest). France/Spain: 5 years. Germany/Finland: 3 years. Italy: 2 years (shortest in major hubs). Türkiye: contested. File promptly regardless of the deadline; evidence preservation matters.

Why does the country matter?

EU261 itself doesn't specify a limitation period — it's set by national contract law. Each country's statute of limitations applies to claims arising from flights departing that country (or from EU-carrier flights from anywhere into that country). The UK's 6 years is from English contract law; France's 5 years from the Code civil.

What if I waited too long with the airline but the NEB period hasn't expired?

You can usually still escalate. The limitation period applies to the legal right to claim, not just the airline's internal complaints process. If you missed the airline's typical 4–8-week response window, you can still file with the NEB or use a third-party claim service.

Does the clock restart with each communication?

Generally no — the limitation period runs from the flight date. Some countries pause the clock if formal proceedings start, but for practical purposes you should treat the limitation period as running continuously from the flight.

What's the practical recommendation?

File within 12 months for UK and EU departures — well inside any limitation period and with evidence still fresh. Avoid the trap of letting Italian (2-year) or Türkiye claims expire. A no-win-no-fee service such as ClaimWinger handles deadlines from Australia.