Delayed or cancelled flight to or from the Canary Islands?
If your flight arrived 3+ hours late, was cancelled at short notice or you were bumped, UK261 or EU261 may entitle you to fixed compensation — typically £350 or €400 per passenger on UK/Ireland–Canaries flights.
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How much can you get?
| Flight distance | UK261 | EU261 |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | £220 | €250 |
| 1,500–3,500 km (and intra-EU flights over 1,500 km) | £350 | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km | £520 | €600 |
Almost every flight between the UK or Ireland and the Canary Islands is between 2,500 and 3,300 km, so the usual amount is £350 (UK261) or €400 (EU261) per passenger, including children with their own seat.
Guides
- Delayed flight compensation
- Cancelled flight compensation
- Denied boarding / overbooking
- Extraordinary circumstances — when airlines don't pay
- How far back can you claim? (up to 6 years)
- Lost, delayed or damaged luggage
- UK261 vs EU261: which applies?
- All UK & Ireland–Canaries routes
Your options
Claiming yourself (free)
Write to the airline with your booking reference, flight number, date and what happened, and ask for the fixed compensation under UK261 or EU261. If they refuse or don't reply within 8 weeks, escalate: UK airlines usually belong to an ADR scheme (e.g. AviationADR or CEDR); otherwise the UK CAA can help. For flights departing Spain (including the Canaries) you can complain to AESA, and in Ireland to the Aviation Regulator.
Using a claims company
If you don't want the hassle, a company like AirHelp handles it on a no-win, no-fee basis. You get less money (they keep a fee), but they deal with the airline and, if needed, the courts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim for a flight from the Canaries back to the UK?
Yes. Flights departing the Canary Islands are covered by EU261 whatever the airline, because the Canaries are part of the EU.
Do children get compensation too?
Yes, every passenger with a seat on the booking is entitled to compensation, including children. Infants on a lap with a free ticket are generally excluded.
Is the compensation paid in pounds or euros?
UK261 sets amounts in pounds (£220/£350/£520); EU261 in euros (€250/€400/€600). Which applies depends on where you departed from and the airline.
Last reviewed 20 October 2026. General information, not legal advice.