A comprehensive reform package designed to bolster the rights of air travelers is scheduled for formal approval by the Council of the European Union this coming Monday. These regulations, which have already secured support from the European Parliament, will apply to all flights departing from airports within the bloc, as well as arrivals operated by EU-based airlines.
While the new framework seeks to clarify passenger rights during travel disruptions, the core rules governing compensation for canceled or delayed flights will remain largely unchanged. Passengers will continue to be eligible for refunds if their flight is delayed by at least three hours, provided the airline is deemed at fault for the incident.
The updated regulations explicitly outline circumstances where airlines are not held responsible for disruptions. These include incidents involving unruly passengers, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, or labor strikes conducted by airport or ground-handling personnel. Despite these exclusions, the reform package aims to streamline the process for submitting compensation claims and provides clearer guidance on passenger entitlements when travel plans are interrupted.
The newly approved rules are scheduled to officially enter into force in mid-2027.
EU ministers are expected to approve a set of reforms giving more rights to air travelers. Among other things, compensation claims are to be made easier.
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