EU 261/2004
The regulation that protects every air passenger
Learn about the European regulation that guarantees financial compensation when your flight is delayed, cancelled, or you're denied boarding.
Check compensationWhat is the regulation
EU Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 is the law that guarantees air passengers financial compensation and care when a flight is significantly delayed, cancelled without sufficient notice, or when boarding is denied due to overbooking.
The regulation places clear obligations on airlines: financial compensation of up to €600, care during the wait (food, accommodation, communication), and the right to a refund or re-routing to your final destination.
Its application, however, depends on where the flight departs from and which airline operates it — a point that matters especially for passengers flying from Albania and Kosovo.
Does EU Regulation 261/2004 cover flights from Albania?
Coverage depends on the departure airport and the airline operating your flight:
From the EU to Tirana or Prishtina
If your flight departs from an airport in the European Union and lands in Tirana or Prishtina, the regulation always applies — regardless of which airline operates the flight.
From Tirana or Prishtina to the EU
If your flight departs from Tirana or Prishtina to a destination in the EU, the regulation applies only when you fly with an EU-licensed airline (e.g. Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines) — not with a non-European airline.
Flights entirely outside the EU
Flights that depart from and arrive outside the European Union are not covered by EU Regulation 261/2004.
Albania and Kosovo are not EU member states, so coverage under this regulation isn't automatic — it depends on the departure airport and the airline operating your flight. If you're unsure, you can check your case for free with FlyReimburse.
What the regulation guarantees you
Financial compensation
From €250 to €600, depending on your flight distance, when the disruption occurs for reasons within the airline's control.
Care during the wait
Food, drinks, hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required, and at least 2 free communications with family or work.
Refund or re-routing
The right to choose between a full ticket refund or re-routing to your final destination on the earliest available flight.
Read more about your situation
Choose the case that fits you to see the full guide:
Frequently asked questions
When does the regulation apply?
It applies to all flights departing from an EU airport, regardless of the airline, and to flights arriving in the EU when operated by an EU-licensed airline.
What are 'extraordinary circumstances'?
Severe weather, political instability, security risks, and strikes unrelated to the airline's operations. In these cases, the airline isn't required to pay compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim?
The time limit ranges from 2 to 6 years, depending on the country, so you can still claim compensation for past flights within that window.
What happens if the airline refuses to pay?
If the airline refuses or delays its response, the claim can be escalated to national enforcement bodies or, if necessary, taken to court.