Most travellers assume that “arrival time” means the moment the aircraft touches down. Under EU law, it doesn’t.
For compensation claims under Regulation EC 261/2004, the legally relevant arrival time is the moment at which at least one aircraft door opens and passengers are allowed to disembark.
This definition was confirmed by the Court of Justice of the European Union in case C-452/13. Not touchdown. Not gate arrival. Only the door-open time counts.
Why this matters: EC 261 compensation is calculated based on the arrival delay. A flight can land relatively on time yet still qualify for compensation if ground handling delays keep the doors closed. Even a short wait at the stand can push a flight beyond the three-hour threshold.
Always note or photograph the door-open time when you arrive. That’s the time that determines your rights.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
