Passenger rights

Flight delayed? EU261 and Turkey's SHY-YOLCU compensation explained

Most diaspora trips connect through Europe or Istanbul, so two sets of rules matter: the EU's Regulation 261/2004 and Turkey's SHY-YOLCU. This is general information, not legal advice.

Updated 2026-10-15

EU261: when it applies

EU rules apply to flights within the EU, flights departing the EU on any airline, and flights arriving in the EU from outside if the airline is an EU airline. They also cover flights to and from Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

If you arrive at your final destination 3 hours or more late, you're entitled to compensation unless the airline proves extraordinary circumstances (such as weather, air traffic control decisions or security risks). Most technical problems are not extraordinary.

EU261: how much

€250 for flights of 1,500 km or less; €400 for longer flights within the EU and other flights of 1,500–3,500 km; €600 for flights over 3,500 km with a delay of 4 hours or more (€300 if that delay is 3 to 4 hours).

Complain to the airline first. If there's no reply within 2 months, or you aren't satisfied, you can go to the national enforcement authority where the incident happened.

Your Europe: EU air passenger rights

Turkey's SHY-YOLCU

Since 10 December 2024, Turkey's passenger-rights regulation gives compensation when a flight is delayed for technical or operational reasons and you reach your final destination 3 hours or more late.

The amounts: €100 for domestic flights; for international flights €250 up to 1,500 km, €400 for 1,500–3,500 km, and €600 over 3,500 km. It's paid in Turkish lira at the Central Bank of Turkey's selling rate on the payment day, and can be halved if the airline offers a re-routing that arrives within set limits.

Bati's claim

Bati, who runs Mirë se erdhët, had a Turkish Airlines TK78 flight delayed in 2026 and filed a €600 claim under SHY-YOLCU.

What to keep

Keep your boarding passes, booking confirmation, the delay notice and receipts for meals or hotels. Under EU rules, airlines should reimburse necessary, reasonable assistance costs you paid yourself if they didn't provide it.

Frequently asked questions

How much compensation do I get for a 3-hour delay under EU261?

€250, €400 or €600 depending on distance (€300 for flights over 3,500 km delayed 3–4 hours), unless the airline proves extraordinary circumstances.

Does Turkey pay compensation for flight delays?

Yes, since 10 December 2024: for technical or operational delays of 3+ hours at arrival, €100 domestic and €250, €400 or €600 international, by distance.

Can I claim under both EU261 and SHY for the same flight?

The EU says its rules apply only if you haven't already received compensation, re-routing or assistance for that journey under another country's law.

Sources

Checked 15 Oct 2026. Rules change; always confirm with the official source before you travel.