European Union Building in Brussels. Photo: Shutterstock More Rights, Less Confusion – This is the intent agreed upon by the Council of the European Union, as they formulated a reform of passenger rights in aviation.
The European Union's transport ministers reached a breakthrough in passenger rights reform after 12 years of stagnation. Dariusz Klimczak, the Infrastructure Minister of Poland, which currently chairs the council, crafted a political agreement on new rules designed to strengthen passenger rights and clarify airline responsibilities.
The agreement updates current regulations and introduces more than 30 new rights for passengers, which are expected to be approved by representatives of the various countries in the European Parliament.
The new rules aim to make passengers' rights clearer, more consistent, and easier to enforce. The reform balances strong protections for passengers with the need to maintain connectivity and fair competition in the EU aviation market.
The position, finally adopted by the Council of the European Union, addresses the urgent call by passengers and airlines for more up-to-date, transparent, and straightforward laws. The revised laws will lead to new passenger rights from the moment of ticket purchase until their arrival at their destination, and in some cases, even beyond.
Key new rights include, among others:
- In cases of flight cancellations or significant delays, airlines must offer passengers an alternative route as soon as possible. If a suitable reroute is not offered within 3 hours, passengers can receive up to 400% reimbursement of the ticket price.
- Clear rules have been set for meals, refreshments, accommodation, and care during delays. Passengers can claim expenses if the airline does not provide support. Comprehensive care must follow basic assistance within 3 hours of the scheduled flight time.
- Airlines have stricter obligations to inform passengers at booking, during delays, and when handling complaints. They must respond to complaints within fixed timeframes.
- Airlines cannot refuse compensation due to "extraordinary circumstances" unless they can prove that all reasonable measures were taken to avoid the delay or cancellation.
- Compensation rates: 300 EUR for delays of 4 hours or more on flights under 3,500 km or within the EU, 500 EUR for delays of 6 hours or more on longer flights.
