After thirteen years of negotiations on air passenger rights in the EU, an agreement has been reached between the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Council. This marks the first revision of the rules in two decades.

The political agreement on the Commission’s proposal, drafted by Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, was presented yesterday. It aims to modernise and strengthen EU air passenger rights while also supporting the competitiveness of airlines.

Mr. Tzitzikostas said the agreement represents “an important step toward strengthening passenger rights,” providing clearer and stronger protections in practice, improving transparency, and simplifying compensation procedures. He added that a balanced approach has been achieved, maintaining Europe’s leadership in passenger protection while creating a fair, predictable, and workable framework for the aviation sector. He also thanked the European Parliament, the Council, and the Cypriot Presidency for their efforts in reaching the agreement.

He noted that passengers will continue to benefit from strong protection in cases of flight cancellation or long delays, while airlines will be able to operate more efficiently and remain competitive. Authorities responsible for enforcing passenger rights will also benefit from clearer rules and procedures.

Key elements of the agreement include maintaining compensation for delayed flights, streamlining compensation procedures to make claims easier for both passengers and airlines, adapting rules on extraordinary circumstances, improving fare transparency, and increasing clarity on carry-on baggage pricing. It also strengthens protections for passengers with reduced mobility or disabilities.

Among the main provisions are:

• Clearer compensation rules for delays: If a flight is delayed by more than three hours, passengers remain entitled to compensation:
  • €250 for flights up to 1,500 km
  • €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
  • €600 for flights over 3,500 km
• Greater price transparency: Ticket prices must clearly distinguish between fares that include carry-on baggage and those that do not.
• Simplified compensation process: Fixed deadlines will make it easier for passengers to claim compensation.
• Clearer rules on extraordinary circumstances: It will be more clearly defined when airlines are exempt from paying compensation.
• Protection during long delays before departure: Passengers will not be required to remain on board an aircraft during extended pre-departure delays.
• Abolition of the “no-show” rule: Passengers who miss their outbound flight will still be allowed to use their return flight without additional charges.
• Seat allocation for children: Children under 14 will be able to sit next to an accompanying adult without extra seat fees.
• Strengthened accessibility rights: The rights of passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility are reinforced.
• Improved information: Airlines will be required to better inform passengers of their rights.

Mr. Tzitzikostas concluded that the final outcome is balanced, protecting passengers while ensuring airlines can operate in a fair and sustainable environment. He stressed that competitive European airlines are essential to the EU economy, and that consumer confidence is a key factor in strengthening their competitiveness. He also announced that a broader air transport policy will be presented in the autumn, following consultations with stakeholders to address challenges and solutions in the sector.

The European Parliament and the European Council must now formally approve the agreement. Once approved and published in the Official Journal of the European Union, the new rules will enter into force after 12 months.