What happened to AF1686
Air France flight AF1686, scheduled from Charles de Gaulle International Airport to Edinburgh Airport on Sunday, 25 October 2026, was diverted away from its booked destination. If passengers reached their final destination 3 hours or more late, this is treated like a long delay and compensation is usually owed.
Are passengers owed compensation?
Yes, most likely. AF1686 departed an EU airport, so it's covered by EU261 whichever airline operated it. The only exception is if Air France can prove the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances outside its control.
| Passengers | Compensation | You keep after 5% |
|---|---|---|
| 1 passenger | €250 | €237.50 |
| 2 passengers | €500 | €475 |
| 3 passengers | €750 | €712.50 |
| 4 passengers | €1,000 | €950 |
What Air France might say
Airlines can refuse compensation for "extraordinary circumstances". Some reasons genuinely count, and many that airlines use don't:
Usually still owed
- Technical faults with the aircraft
- Crew shortages or sickness
- The airline's own staff striking
- Knock-on delays from an earlier flight
Can be a valid excuse
- Severe weather
- Air traffic control restrictions or strikes
- Security alerts or airport closures
- Bird strikes, if handled properly
The airline has to prove the cause. We check the reason Air France gives and challenge refusals that don't hold up.
How to claim for AF1686
- 1
Check your flight
Enter AF1686 and Sunday, 25 October 2026. We verify the delay against flight data.
- 2
Add your passengers
Everyone on the booking can claim, including children. Your booking reference is enough to start.
- 3
We deal with the airline
We send the claim to Air France, chase it and challenge any unfair refusal. The airline pays you directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation for AF1686 on Sunday, 25 October 2026?+
Very likely, yes. AF1686 from Paris to Edinburgh was diverted, which is the kind of disruption EU261 pays compensation for, unless Air France can prove it was caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or an air traffic control restriction.
How much compensation is AF1686 worth?+
€250 per passenger under EU261, based on a flight distance of about 869km. Every passenger on the booking can claim, including children, so a family of four could be owed €1,000.
What if Air France says it was extraordinary circumstances?+
Airlines often say this, but technical faults, staff shortages, crew sickness, the airline's own staff striking and knock-on delays from earlier flights do not count. The airline has to prove the cause. We check the reason given and challenge refusals that don't hold up.
How long do I have to claim?+
Up to 6 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 5 years in Scotland. There's no need to rush, but claims are easier while your booking details and messages from the airline are to hand.
Do I need my boarding pass to start?+
No. Your booking reference and the names of the passengers are enough to start. If anything else is needed later, such as a boarding pass or ID, we'll ask.