Photo: Shutterstock Air passengers across Europe could soon benefit from stronger protections, clearer information, and easier compensation claims after the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union reached a long-awaited agreement to update EU air passenger rights rules.
The deal marks the most significant reform of passenger rights legislation since the original rules were introduced in 2004 and comes after more than a decade of negotiations.
Announcing the agreement, Cyprus Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades described it as a major breakthrough.
"I’m proud that, after 13 years of negotiations, we reached a landmark agreement to strengthen EU air passenger rights."
He added that the updated framework would provide "certainty, fairness and stronger protection for millions of European air passengers" while maintaining a balanced approach for airlines.
Under the agreement, passengers affected by delays or cancellations will benefit from clearer procedures for compensation claims. Airlines will be required to inform travelers electronically within 96 hours if a delay may qualify for compensation and provide clear instructions on how to submit a claim.
Carriers must also acknowledge claims immediately and respond within 30 days, either by paying compensation or explaining why a claim has been rejected.
Compensation levels will remain largely unchanged. Passengers may still be entitled to €250 for flights of up to 1,500 kilometers, €400 for certain medium-haul routes, and €600 for longer flights when delays exceed three hours or flights are canceled less than 14 days before departure.
The agreement also strengthens passengers' right to assistance during disruptions. Travelers could be entitled to refreshments, meals, internet access, phone calls, hotel accommodation, and transport when significant delays occur.
One of the most notable additions is a ban on denying boarding because a passenger missed an earlier segment of the same itinerary, a practice commonly known as "no-show."
The reform package also introduces stronger protections for passengers with disabilities, reduced mobility, pregnant travelers, children, and unaccompanied minors. Families and accompanying travelers will be able to sit together without paying additional fees.
Passengers who need rerouting following a cancellation or denied boarding must be offered an alternative journey within three hours whenever possible. If airlines fail to arrange suitable transport, passengers may organize their own travel and seek reimbursement.
The new framework also provides greater clarity on what constitutes "extraordinary circumstances," situations beyond an airline's control that may exempt carriers from paying compensation.
Before the changes take effect, the agreement must still receive formal approval from both the European Parliament and the Council following legal and linguistic review.
If adopted, the updated rules will affect millions of travelers flying within the European Union, departing from EU airports, or arriving on EU-operated airlines.