After months of negotiations over reforming European Union air passenger rights, lawmakers appear close to preserving the existing compensation system for flight delays and cancellations, while introducing new measures designed to simplify the claims process for travellers.
According to reports from Brussels, negotiators representing the European Parliament and EU member states have reached a compromise that leaves the most controversial element of the legislation largely untouched: financial compensation for delayed and cancelled flights.
The latest proposal is expected to be discussed by member state ambassadors under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council before a final agreement can be approved.
Three-Hour Compensation Threshold Remains
The proposed compromise keeps the current three-hour delay threshold that triggers passenger compensation.
Under the agreement, passengers would continue to receive €250 for flights up to 1,500 kilometres when delays exceed three hours.
For flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres, compensation would remain at €400.
The reform also clarifies compensation levels for longer flights exceeding 3,500 kilometres. Passengers would receive €300 for delays lasting between three and four hours, while compensation would rise to €600 for delays exceeding four hours or for flight cancellations.
The decision represents a significant victory for consumer groups and the European Parliament, which opposed earlier proposals that could have raised compensation thresholds and reduced passenger eligibility.
Airlines Face New Claims Obligations
While compensation amounts remain largely unchanged, negotiators have agreed on several new requirements intended to make the claims process easier and more transparent.
Airlines would be required to send affected passengers a direct link to a compensation claim form within 48 hours of the scheduled arrival time of a delayed or cancelled flight.
The notification must be delivered through a durable communication method, such as email, rather than solely through mobile app notifications that may be overlooked or difficult to access later.
The aim is to increase awareness of passenger rights and reduce the administrative barriers that often prevent travellers from submitting compensation claims.
Greater Transparency on Disruptions
Under the proposed rules, airlines would also be required to provide detailed explanations for flight disruptions.
This includes specifying the reason for the delay or cancellation and identifying any extraordinary circumstances cited as grounds for exemption from compensation payments.
Such transparency measures are intended to give passengers clearer information about whether they are entitled to compensation and reduce disputes over eligibility.
30-Day Deadline for Airlines to Respond
The reform would introduce a standard response deadline for compensation claims.
Once a passenger submits a request, airlines would have 30 days to either pay the compensation or provide a justification for rejecting the claim.
For claims submitted using paper forms rather than digital channels, the response period could be extended.
The agreed approach replaces an earlier proposal that would have required airlines to send passengers pre-completed compensation forms following disruptions.
Carry-On Baggage Rules Also Updated
Negotiators have already reached agreement on another contentious aspect of the reform involving baggage fees.
Under the proposed rules, airlines will be required to display ticket prices that include standard carry-on baggage rather than showing only fares that include smaller under-seat personal items.
Passengers would still have the option to travel without a trolley-sized carry-on bag and receive a discounted fare if they choose.
The change aims to improve price transparency and make it easier for travellers to compare airline fares.
Final Approval Expected Soon
If EU member state ambassadors approve the compromise proposal, the agreement will move to the conciliation committee, which includes representatives from both the European Parliament and member states.
The committee is expected to complete the final approval process by 15 June.
If adopted, the reforms would preserve the core protections that EU passengers currently enjoy while introducing clearer procedures, faster claims handling and greater transparency from airlines when disruptions occur.
