EU transport ministers have approved a significant update to airline passenger rights, including compensation of up to €500 for flight delays.
The agreement includes more than 30 new or strengthened rights, revising regulations covering air passenger rights and airline liability from booking to meals, delays, and cancellations.
These long-awaited changes mean airlines can no longer use “extraordinary circumstances” as a blanket excuse to deny compensation. They must now prove they took all reasonable steps to prevent the disruption.
Passengers will also be entitled to compensation if informed of flight cancellations less than two weeks before departure.
A controversial “no-show” policy, practiced by some airlines, will be abolished. Under the new rules, airlines cannot prevent a passenger from taking a return flight simply because they missed the initial outbound flight.
Minister of State Seán Canney, who attended this week’s EU Transport Council meeting, stated: “I am delighted that, after 12 years of negotiations, we have finally reached political agreement on a new and stronger framework for air passenger rights.
“This will be a major milestone in prioritizing passengers, with fairer, simpler, and more transparent rules. I look forward to the agreement progressing to the next stage of the legislative process.”
The proposed rules are designed to balance strong passenger protection with the operational realities of air travel and competition within the EU single market.
Key proposed improvements include:
- Airlines are obligated to arrange alternative travel as soon as possible, including using other carriers or transport modes. If they fail to do so within three hours, passengers can book their own travel and claim reimbursement of up to 400% of the original fare.
- Airlines must provide refreshments, meals, accommodation, and disembarkation following lengthy tarmac delays. Passengers can arrange their own accommodations and be reimbursed if the airline fails to provide them.
- Passengers are entitled to compensation ranging from €300 to €500, depending on the journey length, for delays of four to six hours. Airlines can only deny compensation by demonstrating they took all reasonable preventative measures.
- Passengers who miss the outbound leg of a flight will no longer be denied boarding on return flights and will be eligible for compensation in such situations.
- Airlines must automatically provide pre-filled compensation claim forms after cancellations. Passengers have six months to file a complaint, and airlines must respond and issue payment within 14 days.
The new measures will now be submitted to the European Parliament for approval, amendment, or rejection.
Mr. Canney added: “I strongly support this political agreement. Once approved by Parliament, it will provide clarity and fairness for passengers and ensure airlines meet their obligations in a timely and transparent way.”
