Civil aviation has often been in the spotlight in 2026. The crisis in the Middle East has weighed on the sector, with airspace closures, route changes, and rising fuel costs, while summer strikes have created further disruption for travelers. In terms of punctuality, however, the summer performance was better than the previous year.

According to Eurocontrol , between June and August, arrival punctuality rose to 72.6%, 1.2 percentage points higher than in summer 2025. Traffic, meanwhile, grew by 2.4%, with an average of 35,959 flights per day. However, approximately 10.8 million minutes of ATFM delays related to traffic flow management remain: a significant figure, despite the overall improvement.

Flight delays 2026: What to know about punctuality, refunds, and compensation

How punctual were flights in the summer of 2026? According to Eurocontrol, on-time arrival performance was 72.6%, an improvement over the previous summer. However, nearly three out of ten flights continued to be delayed.

When is compensation due for a delayed flight? Generally, when you arrive at your final destination at least three hours late and the cause is attributable to the airline. Compensation can be €250, €400, or €600 depending on the flight distance.

After how many hours can a ticket refund be requested? If the departure delay is at least five hours, the passenger can cancel the trip and request a refund; if necessary, they can also request a return trip to the original departure point.

Delays in Europe in summer 2026

While in the United States the use of artificial intelligence to reduce flight delays is beginning to be discussed, Eurocontrol has photographed a very busy European summer: an average of 35,959 flights per day and 66 daily traffic records.

Arrival on-time performance increased to 72.6%, but the system still accumulated 3.27 minutes of ATFM delay per flight. Multiplied by the entire summer season, this equates to over 10.8 million minutes. ATFM restrictions affected approximately 681,000 flights, or 21% of the total.

In other words, nearly three out of ten planes arrived later than scheduled. And, despite an improving European scenario, the problems remain very real even at the local level.

In Sardinia, for example, during the summer there were delays and disruptions to flights to and from Sardinia , with critical issues also affecting territorial continuity connections.

The most punctual airlines and airports in summer 2026

RimborsoAlVolo's analysis of Eurocontrol reports and passenger reports reveals marked differences between airlines. Among the 20 largest carriers, SAS recorded an 86% on-time arrival rate, followed by Turkish Airlines at 85%. Among the less impressive results, Aegean Airlines recorded 60%, while ITA Airways achieved 62%.

Among the 30 busiest airports, Stockholm led the way in on-time departures with 82%, ahead of Oslo and Istanbul, both at 81%. Lisbon was at 52%, while Rome Fiumicino ended the summer at 56%.

These percentages help us understand how much the situation varies from one airport or airline to another: the general improvement, therefore, does not mean that the delay problem has been solved.

Refunds and compensation for flight delays

The mass of delays continues to cause inconvenience to passengers, but Europe has specific protections. The current rules of EC Regulation 261/2004 continue to apply until October 22, 2027, along with European case law that has clarified over the years when compensation, assistance, and reimbursement are due.

As also explained in the AirHelp guides, those flying within the European Union may be entitled to financial compensation of up to 600 euros, in addition to assistance while waiting and, in some cases, a ticket refund.

When is compensation due for a flight delay?

Before understanding how many hours after a delay you're entitled to a refund , it's important to distinguish between assistance, financial compensation, and a ticket refund. A one-hour delay alone doesn't automatically trigger any of these rights.

The right to assistance depends on the duration of the departure delay and the flight distance: it starts after two hours for flights up to 1,500 km, after three hours for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and for other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and after four hours for other longer flights. In these cases, the airline must offer meals and refreshments in proportion to the wait and allow for communication; if the departure is postponed to the following day, hotel and transfers are also provided.

Financial compensation, however, is available when the passenger arrives at their final destination at least three hours late and the delay is attributable to the airline. The amounts are €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and for other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and €600 for other longer flights.

Compensation is not due when the carrier proves that the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances which it could not have avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.

Finally, if the departure delay is at least five hours, the passenger can decide not to continue the journey and request a refund. If the journey has already begun and is no longer needed for the original schedule, a return flight to the original departure point may also be available.

How to get compensation for a delayed flight

To submit a claim, it's helpful to keep your boarding pass, reservation, communications received from the airline, and receipts for expenses incurred during the delay. Photos of the board or other proof of the delay may be helpful, but they don't replace the essential documents.

The request must be submitted first to the airline. If vouchers or travel vouchers are offered during the wait, it's a good idea to read the terms and conditions carefully before accepting them: the voucher must be a voluntary choice and, in some cases, may be offered as a permanent solution to the request.

If the airline fails to provide the required assistance and the passenger must pay for meals, hotels, or transfers out of pocket, it is important to retain all receipts. The expenses must still be necessary, reasonable, and directly related to the delay.

New European rules on passenger rights from 2027

The picture will change from 23 October 2027, when the new Regulation (EU) 2026/2202, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 2 October 2026, will come into force. The regulation will formally enter into force on 22 October 2026, but for passengers, the new rules will only become operational one year later.

The reform maintains the right to compensation for significant delays upon arrival and the amounts of €250, €400, and €600. However, it introduces clearer procedures for complaints, new rules on assistance, greater price transparency, and enhanced protections for carry-on baggage, no-shows, and passengers with special needs.

Therefore, until October 22, 2027, anyone experiencing a delay must continue to refer to the rules currently in force under EC Regulation 261/2004.

© Riproduzione riservata