Flight delayed 3 hours or more on arrival (EU)

Applies under: eu-261-2004

If your covered flight arrived 3+ hours late, you are usually owed EUR 250-600 unless the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances.

Your rights

You are entitled to care during the wait and to fixed compensation by distance band, unless the airline proves extraordinary circumstances. Re-routing within set thresholds can halve the amount.

When this applies

Arrival delay of 3 hours or more (Sturgeon, C-402/07).

Step by step

1. Record the actual arrival time
   Note when the aircraft doors opened, and keep your boarding pass.
   Keep: boarding pass, actual arrival time
2. Claim compensation from the operating carrier
   Write to the airline citing Article 7 of EU 261 and the Sturgeon ruling.

If the airline refuses

1. The airline directly · within 6 weeks
2. National regulator
3. Small-claims court

Typical outcomes

Check what you are owed →

Related scenarios

• eu cancellation less than 14 days

Verified by 6 contributors · updated 2026-05-21 · confidence 90% · how we verify

This is information, not legal advice.