Paris to Cairo Flight Delay & Cancellation Compensation

How much compensation for a Paris–Cairo delay?

Paris CDG to Cairo International (CAI) is approximately 3,200 km — medium-haul tier (1,500–3,500 km). EU261 compensation is €400 per person for a 3+ hour arrival delay or cancellation with less than 14 days' notice. France has a 5-year limitation period.

Does EU261 apply to EgyptAir on Paris–Cairo flights?

Yes, for the Paris departure. EU261 Article 3(1)(a) applies to all carriers departing from EU airports, including non-EU carriers like EgyptAir. A EgyptAir flight from Paris CDG delayed 3+ hours at Cairo entitles each passenger to €400. For the return Cairo → Paris on EgyptAir, EU261 does not apply — EgyptAir is not an EU carrier.

How do I claim if EgyptAir rejects my EU261 claim?

EgyptAir commonly rejects valid EU261 claims by incorrectly stating that EU261 does not apply to non-European carriers. This is wrong. EU261 Article 3(1)(a) is clear: the regulation applies to ALL carriers departing from EU airports. Challenge the rejection citing Article 3(1)(a) and escalate to DGAC (France's aviation authority) or Médiateur du Tourisme et du Voyage, France's free ADR body.

Does Air France cover EU261 on the return Cairo → Paris flight?

Yes. Air France is a French EU-registered carrier. EU261 applies to Air France in both directions: Paris → Cairo and Cairo → Paris. If your Cairo → Paris Air France flight arrived 3+ hours late, you are entitled to €400. Air France is generally cooperative on straightforward delay and cancellation claims.

Can I also claim for Paris to Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh flights?

Yes. 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, falling in the long-haul tier (€600 compensation). The same carrier rules apply: EU carriers covered both ways, EgyptAir covered on Paris departure only. Note the higher compensation for these longer routes.