What a flight!

Spain

Flight compensation in Spain

Spain handles more EU261 claims than almost anywhere else, and its courts are among the most consistent in ruling for passengers.

Which flights are covered

Any flight departing a Spanish airport, including domestic routes and the Canary and Balearic islands, plus flights arriving in Spain on an EU carrier. Vueling, Iberia, Air Europa and Ryanair account for most claims.

The regulator: AESA

Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea is the national enforcement body. Complaints are free, filed online, and require that you claimed from the airline first and waited for its answer. AESA rulings are not automatically binding but carry real weight if the case later goes to court.

Deadlines and courts

  • Five years from the flight to bring a claim — one of the longest windows in the EU.
  • Claims under €2,000 go through a simplified procedure where a lawyer is not required.
  • Documents can be filed in Spanish; an English claim letter is usually accepted by airlines.

Quick answer

Spain handles more EU261 claims than almost anywhere else, and its courts are among the most consistent in ruling for passengers.

Country
Spain
Main rule
EU261
Compensation
€250–€600 per passenger
Escalation body
AESA
Typical claim deadline
Generally 5 years

Domande frequenti

Do I need to write in Spanish?
Airlines accept English. For AESA and the courts, Spanish is safer, and a translated copy of your letter is usually enough.
Are island and domestic flights covered?
Yes. Domestic flights within Spain, including to the Canaries and Balearics, fall under EU261.
How long does AESA take?
Several months is typical. It costs nothing, so it is usually worth filing while you consider other steps.

Primary sources

Official guidance and legislation used to review this page.