Brussels: MEPs have successfully negotiated a new air passenger rights agreement that ensures compensation for three-hour delays, faster reimbursement processes, fee-free seating for children, and enhanced flight price transparency.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the provisional agreement reached on Monday evening received unanimous support from the European Parliament delegation to the Conciliation Committee. This deal aims to protect passengers from travel disruptions such as denied boarding and delayed or canceled flights, marking the first update to the rules since 2004. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, stated that this agreement strengthens air passenger rights across Europe, bringing greater transparency and predictability for both consumers and airlines.
The agreement maintains the right for air travelers to be reimbursed or re-routed, with compensation available for flights delayed by more than three hours, canceled less than 14 days before departure, or when boarding is denied. Compensation amounts will vary based on flight distance, with reductions possible under certain circumstances. Airlines can avoid compensation if delays or cancellations are due to extraordinary events such as natural disasters or strikes. Additionally, airlines must care for stranded passengers, providing refreshments, meals, and accommodations as needed.
The new rules also streamline the reimbursement process, requiring airlines to provide clear instructions electronically within four days of travel disruption. Passengers have nine months to file a compensation request, while airlines have 30 days to respond. The agreement also protects vulnerable passengers, ensuring compensation and assistance for those with disabilities and families with children under 14, who will receive adjacent seating without extra fees.
The agreement includes several upgrades to passenger rights, such as carrying a personal item onboard without an additional fee and transparent pricing that includes carry-on luggage costs. Passengers will no longer face extra charges for correcting name spelling errors or obtaining printed boarding passes if they have checked in digitally.
Transport and Tourism Committee Vice-chair Virginijus Sinkevicius highlighted the importance of protecting existing rights while adding new safeguards, stating that Europe is delivering for air passengers. Rapporteur Andrey Novakov emphasized the focus on protecting passengers' rights and improving the aviation sector's competitiveness.
The provisional agreement must be confirmed by both the European Parliament and the Council within six weeks, with a possible two-week extension. The European Parliament plans to vote on the agreement during its July plenary session. A press conference featuring key negotiators will provide further details on the changes.