Non-EU African Airlines and EU261 — The Eligibility Table
Quick YES/NO reference for every major African non-EU carrier and route direction. From an EU/UK airport on a non-EU African carrier: covered (€600 long-haul). From an African airport on a non-EU African carrier: NOT covered. Definitive table for Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian, Kenya Airways, EgyptAir, SAA, Air Algérie, Tunisair, Air Sénégal, RwandAir, TAAG.
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The Eligibility Table — All Major Non-EU African Carriers
| Airline | Country | From EU/UK | From Africa | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Air Maroc (AT) | Morocco | ✅ EU261 | ❌ Not covered | €400 (CMN/RAK from N. Europe) |
| EgyptAir (MS) | Egypt | ✅ EU261 | ❌ Not covered | €400 (CAI from N. Europe), €250 (S. Europe) |
| Air Algérie (AH) | Algeria | ✅ EU261 | ❌ Not covered | €250 (CDG/MRS to ALG) |
| Tunisair (TU) | Tunisia | ✅ EU261 | ❌ Not covered | €250 (CDG/MXP to TUN) |
| Kenya Airways (KQ) | Kenya | ✅ EU261 | ❌ Not covered | €600 (long-haul) |
| Ethiopian Airlines (ET) | Ethiopia | ✅ EU261 | ❌ Not covered | €600 (long-haul) |
| South African Airways (SA) | South Africa | ✅ EU261 | ❌ Not covered | €600 (long-haul) |
| Air Sénégal (HC) | Senegal | ✅ EU261 | ❌ Not covered | €600 (long-haul) |
| RwandAir (WB) | Rwanda | ✅ EU261 | ❌ Not covered | €600 (long-haul) |
| TAAG Angola (DT) | Angola | ✅ EU261 | ❌ Not covered | €600 (long-haul) |
| Air Mauritius (MK) | Mauritius | ✅ EU261 | ❌ Not covered | €600 (long-haul) |
The Pattern Is Always the Same
No exceptions among non-EU African carriers: EU261/UK261 applies only when they depart from an EU/UK airport. The return from any African airport on the same airline is uncovered. To get both-way protection, fly an EU/UK carrier (KLM, AF, LH, BA, Brussels Airlines, TAP).
Filing on EU/UK Departures
File with the airline first; escalate to the relevant NEB if rejected. UK departures: UK CAA / CEDR. EU departures: France DGAC, Germany LBA/SÖP, Netherlands ILT, Belgium DGT, Italy ENAC, Spain AESA, Portugal ANAC. Or use a no-win-no-fee service like ClaimWinger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick rule for African airlines?
Departure airport. From EU or UK airport — covered (€600 / £520 long-haul). From African airport — not covered. Always check what's printed under 'departure airport' on your boarding pass.
What's the most common misconception?
Many passengers assume 'African airline = covered if flying to Europe'. Wrong — what matters is the departure airport. A Royal Air Maroc flight Casablanca → Paris is NOT covered (Casablanca = non-EU airport). The same RAM flight Paris → Casablanca IS covered (Paris = EU airport).
Are EU/UK carriers easier to deal with?
Yes. KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, BA, Brussels Airlines, TAP — all EU/UK-registered, so EU261/UK261 protects you both ways. They're also generally more responsive to claims than non-EU carriers.
What if my African airline rejects my claim?
Escalate to the NEB of the EU/UK departure country: UK CAA (London), DGAC (Paris), LBA/SÖP (Frankfurt), ILT (Amsterdam), DGT (Brussels), ANAC (Lisbon). If the airline refuses to engage, a no-win-no-fee service like ClaimWinger pursues the claim through legal action where necessary.
Can I claim duty of care during the wait?
Yes — even from non-EU carriers when departing EU/UK airports. Article 9 (duty of care: meals, hotel if overnight, transport) applies whenever the regulation triggers. Keep receipts.
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