Time limits for flight compensation in England & Wales
In England & Wales, a claim for flight delay compensation can be brought for 6 years, counted from the date of the flight.
Last reviewed 10 September 2026. This explains what the rules say; it is not a substitute for a lawyer.
Limit
6 years
Runs from the date of the flight.
Legal basis: Limitation Act 1980, s.5 (action founded on simple contract).
This figure has not yet been confirmed by a lawyer qualified in England & Wales. Treat it as a strong guide rather than a certainty, and if your flight is close to the limit, act now rather than later.
Why the limit comes from England & Wales, not the Regulation
UK261 sets out the right to compensation but says nothing about how long you have to claim. The Court of Justice decided that the limitation period is whatever the national law of the court hearing the claim says. That is why the limits vary so widely across Europe — from a year in some countries to six in others.
You can usually bring the claim in the country where your flight departed or where it was due to arrive. (Rehder v Air Baltic (C-204/08)) If your journey touched more than one country, the longer limit may be available to you.
Worked examples
- A flight on 15 March 2020 can be claimed until 15 March 2026 — that window has closed.
- A flight on 20 August 2025 can be claimed until 20 August 2031 — still open.
If the airline refuses
The national enforcement body for England & Wales is UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Passenger Advice and Complaints Team (www.caa.co.uk/passengers/resolving-travel-problems). It handles complaints about airlines under UK261 once you have written to the airline and been refused or ignored. A complaint to it does not stop the limitation clock, so keep an eye on the deadline above.
Airlines registered here
Claims against these airlines can always be brought where they are based, as well as where your flight departed or arrived:
Limits elsewhere
Scotland (5 years) · Northern Ireland (6 years) · Germany (3 years) · France (5 years) · Spain (5 years) · Ireland (6 years) · Netherlands (2 years) · Italy (26 months) · Portugal (3 years) · Belgium (1 year) · Poland (1 year) · Austria (3 years) · Denmark (3 years) · Sweden (3 years) · Finland (3 years) · Greece (5 years) · Czech Republic (3 years) · Hungary (5 years) · Romania (3 years) · Norway (3 years)
Common questions
How long do I have to claim flight compensation in England & Wales?
6 years, counted from the date of the flight. The basis is Limitation Act 1980, s.5 (action founded on simple contract).
Does writing to the airline stop the clock?
Generally not. Sending a letter or complaining to the enforcement body usually does not pause the limitation period; issuing court proceedings does. If you are close to the limit, act promptly.
My flight did not start or end in England & Wales. Does this limit apply?
Only if you bring the claim in England & Wales, which is usually possible where the flight departed or arrived there, or where the airline is based. Otherwise the limit of the country where you claim applies.