Does the Civil Aviation Act 1982 entitle me to compensation for a flight delay?

No. The Civil Aviation Act 1982 does not itself create the standard right to compensation for flight delays. Under UK261, you may be entitled to compensation if your covered flight reaches its destination at least three hours late and the airline cannot rely on an applicable exception, such as extraordinary circumstances.

What is the difference between the Civil Aviation Act 1982 and UK261?

The Civil Aviation Act 1982 forms part of the UK legal framework governing civil aviation and the CAA. UK261 is specifically concerned with passengers' rights when qualifying flights are delayed or cancelled or passengers are denied boarding. It covers assistance, refunds, re-routing and compensation where the legal conditions are met.

Which authority is responsible for the Civil Aviation Act 1982 and UK261?

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the UK's independent aviation regulator and carries out functions under the Civil Aviation Act 1982 and other aviation legislation. The CAA is also a designated enforcement body for UK261. The Department for Transport is responsible for UK aviation policy and legislation.

Joachim Warnisch

Works in the Litigation Department

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How does this affect your flight?
Has your flight been delayed or cancelled?
Frequently asked questions about the Civil Aviation Act 1982

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Civil Aviation Act 1982

The Civil Aviation Act 1982 is a key piece of legislation governing civil aviation in the United Kingdom. It provides a framework for matters such as the regulation of aviation, the functions of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and certain responsibilities relating to aircraft and airports.

Air passengers' rights in relation to flight delays, cancellations and denied boarding are primarily governed by UK Regulation (EU) No 261/2004, commonly known as UK261. This is the UK version of the former EU passenger rights regulation, retained and amended following Brexit. The two laws form separate parts of the wider UK aviation legal framework.

Meaning: UK legislation forming part of the framework for civil aviation
Relevant to: Aviation regulation, CAA functions, aircraft and airport matters

How does this affect your flight?

The Civil Aviation Act 1982 helps regulate civil aviation, but UK261 sets out your rights to care, a refund or re-routing, and possible compensation when a covered flight is delayed, cancelled or you are denied boarding. Your entitlement depends on the circumstances.

Example: If your flight from London is cancelled, UK261, rather than the Civil Aviation Act 1982 itself, sets out whether the airline must offer a refund or alternative flight and whether compensation is payable.

Read more about your air passenger rights.

Has your flight been delayed or cancelled?

You may be entitled to compensation ->

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Civil Aviation Act 1982

How does this affect your flight?

Has your flight been delayed or cancelled?

Frequently asked questions about the Civil Aviation Act 1982