Flight Compensation Regulations Explained: EC261, UK261 and SHY Passenger Rights — Complete Guide

EU261 / EC261 Regulation Explained: European Passenger Rights and Flight Compensation Rules

EC261 applies if:

✅ The first departure of the itinerary is from the EU
OR
✅ The itinerary arrives in the EU and the disruption was caused by an EU carrier

1. ITINERARY STARTS IN THE EU

If the first departure is from the EU — EC261 always applies.

✅ EC261 Applies

2. ITINERARY STARTS OUTSIDE THE EU AND ENDS IN THE EU

EC261 applies only if the disruption was caused by an EU carrier.

✅ EC261 Applies

❌ EC261 Does NOT Apply

3. ITINERARY NOT CONNECTED TO THE EU

EC261 does not apply.

4. IF TICKETS ARE SEPARATE

Each ticket is assessed independently.

SUMMARY

✅ EC261 Applies ONLY If One of the Following Conditions Is Met:

Condition 1

✔ Flight departs from an airport located in the EU

• EC261 applies to the flight
• Regardless of airline nationality
• Regardless of number of connections
• Regardless of where the disruption occurred

If the itinerary is booked under a single ticket, the regulation may cover the entire journey.

Condition 2

✔ Flight arrives at an EU airport
✔ Flight is operated by an EU carrier

• EC261 applies
• Liability rests with the EU operating carrier

❌ EC261 Does NOT Apply If:

✔ Flight departs outside the EU
✔ Flight arrives in the EU
✔ But is operated by a non-EU carrier

⭐ Important Clarification

EC261 applies to each flight individually.
However, under a single ticket, transportation may be treated as a single operation for calculating arrival delay.

FINAL EC261 SUMMARY TABLE

UK261 Regulation Explained: UK Passenger Rights and Flight Compensation Rules

UK261 applies if:

✅ The first departure of the itinerary is from the UK
OR
✅ The itinerary arrives in the UK and the disruption was caused by a UK or EU carrier

1. ITINERARY STARTS IN THE UK

✅ UK261 Applies

2. ITINERARY STARTS OUTSIDE THE UK AND ENDS IN THE UK

✅ UK261 Applies

❌ UK261 Does NOT Apply

SUMMARY

✅ UK261 Applies ONLY If At Least One Condition Is Met:

Condition 1

✔ Flight departs from a UK airport

• Applies regardless of airline
• Applies regardless of connections
• Applies regardless of where disruption occurred

Condition 2

✔ Flight arrives in the UK
✔ Flight is operated by a UK or EU carrier

• Liability rests with the UK or EU operating carrier

❌ UK261 Does NOT Apply If:

✔ Flight departs outside the UK
✔ Flight arrives in the UK
✔ But is operated by a non-UK and non-EU carrier

⭐ Important Clarification

UK261 applies to each flight separately.
Under a single ticket, the journey may be treated as a single operation for calculating final arrival delay.

FINAL UK261 SUMMARY TABLE

SHY-YOLCU Regulation Explained: Turkish Passenger Rights and Flight Compensation Rules

Applies if:

✅ The first departure is from Turkey
OR
✅ The flight is operated by a Turkish carrier departing from Turkey
OR
✅ The flight is operated by a Turkish carrier arriving in Turkey (Turkey must be the destination, not transit)

1. ITINERARY STARTS IN TURKEY

✅ SHY Applies

2. ITINERARY STARTS OUTSIDE TURKEY AND ENDS IN TURKEY (Not Transit)

✅ SHY Applies

❌ SHY Does NOT Apply

SUMMARY

✅ SHY-PASSENGER Applies ONLY If At Least One Condition Is Met:

Condition 1

✔ Itinerary booked under a single ticket
✔ First departure is from Turkey

• Applies to entire itinerary
• Regardless of airline
• Regardless of number of connections
• Regardless of where disruption occurred

Condition 2

✔ Itinerary booked under a single ticket
✔ Flight arrives in Turkey
✔ Disrupted segment operated by Turkish carrier

• Liability rests with Turkish operating carrier

❌ SHY Does NOT Apply If:

✔ Itinerary starts outside Turkey
✔ Itinerary ends outside Turkey
✔ Turkey is only used as transit
✔ Flight arrives in Turkey but is operated by foreign carrier

⭐ Important Clarification

SHY is a territorial regulation and applies only when there is a real operational connection to Turkey.

FINAL SHY SUMMARY TABLE

FULL OVERVIEW — EC261 / UK261 / SHY