Flight Delay Compensation: 250 EUR or 600 EUR? Distance-Based Table

Distance-Based Compensation: Why It Matters

EC 261/2004 sets flight compensation in three different categories, all based entirely on flight distance. Ticket price, class (economy, business, first), method of purchase (with miles, discounted, etc.) do not affect the compensation amount. The only determining factor is the distance between the flight's start and end points.

This article explains in detail how much compensation you will receive based on flight distance. Examples are given with the most flown routes from Turkey and Europe.

Distance Calculation Method

To determine compensation, the "great circle distance" is calculated. This is the shortest geographical distance between two airports. The aircraft's actual route may be longer (wind, air traffic, etc.) but this is not important for compensation calculation.

Distance in Connecting Flights

In a connecting flight, the single distance between start and end points is taken as basis. So for Istanbul-Frankfurt-New York route:

• Wrong: Istanbul-Frankfurt + Frankfurt-New York totals
• Correct: Only Istanbul-New York distance (~8000 km)

250 € Category: Up to 1500 km

Short-haul domestic and international flights are in this category. Many intra-European routes included.

Example Routes (Turkey)

• Istanbul (IST) - Athens (ATH): 570 km, 250 €
• Istanbul (IST) - Sofia (SOF): 510 km, 250 €
• Istanbul (IST) - Bucharest (OTP): 430 km, 250 €
• Istanbul (IST) - Thessaloniki (SKG): 425 km, 250 €
• Istanbul (IST) - Tel Aviv (TLV): 1140 km, 250 €

Example Routes (Intra-European)

• London (LHR) - Paris (CDG): 350 km, 250 €
• Madrid (MAD) - Barcelona (BCN): 500 km, 250 €
• Rome (FCO) - Munich (MUC): 700 km, 250 €
• Amsterdam (AMS) - Berlin (BER): 575 km, 250 €
• Vienna (VIE) - Prague (PRG): 250 km, 250 €

Eligibility: 3 Hours Delay

To claim compensation in this category, you must arrive at your destination at least 3 hours late. For cancellations, the alternative flight must arrive more than 4 hours late.

400 € Category: 1500-3500 km

Medium-haul intra-European flights and EU-near country flights. Most flights from Turkey to EU countries are in this category.

Example Routes (Turkey)

• Istanbul (IST) - London (LHR): 2500 km, 400 €
• Istanbul (IST) - Paris (CDG): 2230 km, 400 €
• Istanbul (IST) - Frankfurt (FRA): 1880 km, 400 €
• Istanbul (IST) - Madrid (MAD): 2740 km, 400 €
• Istanbul (IST) - Stockholm (ARN): 2360 km, 400 €
• Istanbul (IST) - Helsinki (HEL): 2440 km, 400 €
• Istanbul (IST) - Moscow (SVO): 1750 km, 400 €

Example Routes (Intra-European)

• Madrid (MAD) - Helsinki (HEL): 2950 km, 400 €
• London (LHR) - Athens (ATH): 2400 km, 400 €
• Rome (FCO) - Stockholm (ARN): 2100 km, 400 €

600 € Category: Over 3500 km

Long-haul and intercontinental flights. Highest compensation but delay condition changes to 4 hours.

Example Routes (Turkey)

• Istanbul (IST) - New York (JFK): 8060 km, 600 €
• Istanbul (IST) - Los Angeles (LAX): 11000 km, 600 €
• Istanbul (IST) - Tokyo (NRT): 9000 km, 600 €
• Istanbul (IST) - Bangkok (BKK): 7460 km, 600 €
• Istanbul (IST) - Singapore (SIN): 8740 km, 600 €

Eligibility: 4 Hours Delay

Important! For flights over 3500 km, 4 hours (not 3) delay is required. Compensation reduces by 50% (300 €) for delays between 3-4 hours.

Family Compensation Calculation

Compensation is paid per passenger. Each family member is entitled separately. Children included.

Examples

Family of 4, Istanbul-London

• Distance: 2500 km → 400 € category
• 4 passengers × 400 € = 1600 € total

2 People, Istanbul-New York

• Distance: 8060 km → 600 € category
• 2 passengers × 600 € = 1200 € total

Partial Compensation Cases

Close Alternative Flight

If airline offers alternative flight bringing you within 2 hours of original arrival, compensation reduces 50%:

• Up to 1500 km: 125 € (instead of 250 €)
• 1500-3500 km: 200 € (instead of 400 €)
• Over 3500 km: 300 € (instead of 600 €)

FAQ

Are charter or holiday package flights covered?

Yes. EC 261/2004 covers all commercial flights, including charter and package tour flights.

How do I calculate distance accurately?

Online tools available: gcmap.com, distance.to. Enter airport codes for exact distance.

Can I get 600 € instead of 250 €?

No. Compensation is strictly determined by distance. Neither passenger nor airline can change these amounts.

Do I pay tax on compensation?

Compensations are exempt from income tax in Turkey. Generally tax-free in EU member countries. Net amount paid to you.

Conclusion

You only need flight distance to calculate your compensation. Up to 1500 km: 250 €, 1500-3500 km: 400 €, over 3500 km: 600 €. Per passenger, independent of ticket price.

You don't have to calculate distance — UcusIptal.com 2-minute form analyzes your route, gives exact compensation amount, manages process for you.