EU transport ministers have approved a comprehensive overhaul of airline passenger rights that includes compensation of up to €500 for flight delays and more than 30 new or strengthened protections for travelers.
The sweeping update represents the culmination of 12 years of negotiations and marks a significant shift toward putting passengers first with fairer, simpler, and more transparent rules governing air travel across the European Union.
Minister of State Seán Canney, who attended this week’s EU Transport Council meeting, welcomed the breakthrough agreement. “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,” he said.
The new regulations address long-standing concerns about airline practices and passenger protections, covering everything from booking procedures to meal provisions, delays, and cancellations.
Under the updated rules, passengers experiencing delays of four to six hours will be entitled to compensation ranging from €300 to €500, depending on the length of their journey. Crucially, airlines will no longer be able to cite “extraordinary circumstances” to deny compensation unless they can prove they took all reasonable steps to avoid the disruption.
The changes also extend compensation rights to passengers informed of flight cancellations less than two weeks before departure, closing a loophole that previously allowed airlines to avoid payments for last-minute cancellations.
One of the most significant consumer-friendly changes involves mandatory rerouting obligations. Airlines must now arrange alternative travel at the earliest opportunity, including using other carriers or different transport modes. If airlines fail to provide alternative arrangements within three hours, passengers may book their own travel and claim reimbursement of up to 400 percent of the original fare.
The new framework eliminates controversial “no-show” policies that some airlines have used to deny passengers boarding on return flights because they missed their outbound journey. Under the updated rules, passengers will no longer face such restrictions and will be eligible for compensation in these situations.
Passenger assistance rights have been clarified and strengthened, with airlines required to provide refreshments, meals, accommodation, and disembarkation services after long tarmac delays. If airlines fail to provide these services, passengers can make their own arrangements and seek full reimbursement.
The compensation claim process has been streamlined to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for passengers. Airlines must automatically provide pre-filled compensation claim forms after cancellations, and passengers will have six months to file complaints. Airlines must respond to claims and issue payments within 14 days of receiving them.
Access to information has also been improved, with airlines required to provide clearer communication about passenger rights and compensation entitlements throughout the travel process.
The proposed rules aim to balance robust passenger protection with the operational realities of air travel and maintain fair competition within the EU single market. The framework recognizes both passenger rights and the practical challenges airlines face in daily operations.
Canney emphasized the significance of the agreement for Irish travelers and the broader European aviation sector. “This will be a major milestone in putting passengers first, with fairer, simpler and more transparent rules. I look forward to the agreement now moving forward to the next stage of the legislative process.”
The new measures will now proceed to the European Parliament, which has the authority to approve, amend, or reject the Council’s proposal. If approved by Parliament, the updated regulations will provide enhanced clarity and fairness for passengers while ensuring airlines meet their obligations in a timely and transparent manner.
The long-awaited update reflects growing recognition that passenger rights needed strengthening in response to increased air travel volumes and evolving industry practices. The comprehensive nature of the changes suggests European policymakers have taken a holistic approach to addressing passenger concerns across all aspects of the air travel experience.
The agreement represents a significant victory for consumer advocacy groups that have long called for stronger passenger protections and more straightforward compensation processes in the airline industry.