China Southern Airlines is the largest airline in China by fleet size and one of the largest in the world by passenger numbers. Operating from its primary hub at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), China Southern connects southern China with Europe through a network of direct and connecting services. The airline has operated some of the world's longest non-stop routes and, until recently, flew the Airbus A380 — the world's largest commercial passenger aircraft — on its flagship European services.
For European passengers, China Southern's size and network come with an important legal dimension: EU Regulation 261/2004 applies to all China Southern flights departing from airports within the European Union. This regulation — universally known as EU261 — entitles passengers to up to €600 per person in compensation for qualifying delays, cancellations, and denied boarding events. China Southern, as a non-EU carrier, is nonetheless fully bound by this regulation when operating EU-departing flights.
The most critical concept to understand before diving into the details: EU261 is one-directional. A China Southern flight from Paris CDG to Guangzhou CAN departing at 13:30 is covered by EU261. The same route in reverse — departing Guangzhou for Paris — is not, because Guangzhou Airport is outside EU jurisdiction. This guide covers only the EU-departing direction, where your rights are fully protected.
Claim Your China Southern EU261 Compensation
- Free claim check — find out in 60 seconds if you qualify
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- Specialists in Chinese airline EU261 claims across all EU gateways
