UK261 Flight Compensation After Brexit: What Changed?

Can I still claim EU261 for flights from the UK after Brexit?

For flights departing from UK airports, EU261 no longer applies — UK261 does. For UK passengers flying from EU airports (e.g., returning from Paris CDG), EU261 still applies to that flight. So a British passenger flying Paris → London would claim under EU261 (departure from EU), while London → Paris would be covered by UK261.

The amounts are lower in UK261 than EU261 — why?

UK261 amounts were set at an approximate GBP equivalent of the EU261 EUR amounts when the legislation was retained in UK law after Brexit. They are not dynamically linked to exchange rates and have not been updated since. At current rates, the GBP amounts are somewhat lower in USD/EUR terms than the EU261 equivalents, but the legal framework is the same.

Which airlines does UK261 cover?

For flights departing from UK airports: all airlines (same as EU261's Rule 1). For flights arriving in the UK from outside: only UK-licensed carriers — primarily British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet (UK entity), Jet2, TUI Airways, Loganair, etc. Non-UK airlines (Ryanair — Irish entity, Wizz Air, Air France, etc.) operating inbound non-UK flights are not covered under UK261 for that direction.

I flew from London to Ibiza on Ryanair — does UK261 or EU261 apply?

UK261 applies — the flight departed from a UK airport (London). Ryanair's Irish registration doesn't matter for this rule; the departure airport determines which regulation applies. So you claim under UK261 with its GBP amounts (£220 for this short-haul route).

The CAA rejected my UK261 claim — what can I do?

The CAA handles enforcement complaints when airlines reject claims. If the CAA declines to take enforcement action, you can still escalate via CEDR Aviation (approved ADR for most UK airlines) or file in small claims court (England & Wales: MCOL; Scotland: Simple Procedure). The CAA's enforcement decision doesn't prevent you from pursuing the claim privately.