Brussels:The European Parliament has approved new regulations aimed at strengthening passenger rights across all modes of transport. These rules, passed with a significant majority of 652 votes to two, with eight abstentions, are designed to streamline processes such as refunds for cancelled flights, simplify compensation claims, and improve assistance for people with disabilities.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the legislation seeks to enhance passenger protection and provide better information during travel disruptions, covering air, rail, road, and sea transport. Under the new rules, passengers who book flights through travel agencies or online platforms will be eligible for a full refund, including intermediary fees, within 14 days if their flight is cancelled.
Airlines are required to transfer refunds to intermediaries within seven days, and intermediaries must reimburse passengers within the following seven days. Additionally, refund arrangements must be clearly explained at the time of booking. Common EU forms for refund and compensation claims will be available in all official EU languages on the European Commission's website, but passengers can also use equivalent forms provided by transport operators.
Furthermore, passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility will have the right to be accompanied free of charge on flights when necessary assistance is required, aligning air travel regulations with those of other transport modes. National enforcement authorities will gain enhanced powers to conduct checks and inspections without waiting for passenger complaints.
Italian MEP Matteo Ricci, the rapporteur from the Socialists and Democrats (S and D), emphasized that the legislation prioritizes the rights of citizens over the profits of airlines. He noted that the rules would provide stronger protections for passengers booking through intermediaries and for those with reduced mobility.
The new regulations still require formal approval by the Council of the EU before they can be published in the Official Journal. They are expected to come into effect on October 23, 2027. The EU's passenger rights legislation currently covers about 13 billion passengers, a number projected to rise to 15 billion by 2030 and nearly 20 billion by 2050.