Airline compensation for flight delays?

No statutory ri
Compensation mandate
2+ hours
Typical airline threshold
JAL/ANA policy
Voluntary standards
Civil Code Art.
Breach of contract basis
The Short Answer

In Japan, airlines are not legally required to compensate passengers for flight delays under national law, unless the delay results from the airline’s negligence and causes provable damages.

What the Law Says

Japan does not have a specific aviation law requiring airlines to pay fixed compensation for delayed flights, unlike EU Regulation 261/2004. Passengers’ rights arise only from general contract and tort law.

Under Japanese law, air transport contracts are governed by the Civil Code and the Aviation Act. However, neither statute sets minimum compensation amounts or automatic entitlements for delays.

Article 415 of the Civil Code provides that if a debtor (e.g., an airline) fails to perform an obligation (e.g., timely departure), the creditor (passenger) may claim damages — but only if the failure was due to the debtor’s negligence or intent, and actual damage is proven.

The Aviation Act does not regulate passenger compensation for delays; it focuses on safety, licensing, and operational standards.

Statutory Text

A debtor shall be liable for damages arising from non-performance of an obligation only where the non-performance is attributable to the debtor’s intentional act or negligence.

— Civil Code, Art. 415 — Liability for Non-Performance
Statutory Text

This Act aims to ensure the safety and efficiency of aviation and to promote its sound development.

— Aviation Act, s. 1 — Purpose

What to Do

1

Check your airline’s Conditions of Carriage for delay-related promises (e.g., JAL and ANA offer meal vouchers or hotel stays for delays over 2 hours).

2

Document the delay (boarding pass, SMS/email notifications, timestamped photos) and any resulting expenses.

3

Submit a written claim to the airline citing Article 415 of the Civil Code — but note: success requires proof of negligence and quantifiable loss.

4

If denied and damages are significant, consult a lawyer about filing a claim in summary court (kanshi saiban).

Sources

statuteCivil Code, Art. 415 — Liability for Non-PerformancestatuteAviation Act, s. 1 — Purpose

Same Question, Other Jurisdictions

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Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.