EU agrees on stronger air passenger rights

Updated air passenger rights

The agreement on stronger air passenger rights was reached between the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. Before the new rules can enter into force, they must be formally approved by both institutions. The updated rules will, among other things:

• Make passengers' rights clearer when disruptions occur
• Increase transparency regarding ticket prices and cabin baggage fees
• Ensure that missing the outbound journey does not automatically result in the return flight being cancelled
• Strengthen support for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility

Stronger right to information and re-routing

Passengers must receive faster and clearer information about the cause of a disruption and the expected departure time. Additionally, airlines need to provide passengers entitled to compensation with clear instructions on how to submit their claim.

In the event of a cancelled flight or denied boarding, the airline must offer re-routing as soon as possible and no later than three hours after the disruption. If necessary, re-routing may be provided with another airline or by another means of transport. If the airline fails to arrange re-routing within three hours, passengers may book an alternative journey themselves and claim reimbursement of the cost, up to 400% of the original ticket price.

Transparent ticket prices and cabin baggage fees

The new rules introduce several additional passenger rights. For example, ticket prices must be displayed including one piece of cabin baggage before the booking process begins, making it easier for consumers to compare offers from different airlines.

No-show policy for return flights will be banned
Airlines will no longer be allowed to deny boarding solely because a passenger did not use an earlier part of the journey booked on the same ticket (the so-called "no-show" clause).

Enhanced rights for passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities
The rules strengthen protection for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, children, unaccompanied minors and pregnant travellers. For example, families and passengers with reduced mobility must be able to sit together with their travelling companions at no additional cost.

Clearer rules on extraordinary circumstances

The agreement also clarifies what constitutes extraordinary circumstances, meaning events that are outside the airline's control. In such cases, the airline may be exempt from the obligation to pay compensation.

If an airline rejects a compensation claim on the grounds of extraordinary circumstances, it must provide a clear and well-reasoned explanation. The burden of proof remains with the airline, which must demonstrate that it took all reasonable measures to avoid the disruption.

Right to compensation for delays and cancellations

Passengers may be entitled to compensation if their flight arrives more than three hours late or if their flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure.

The compensation amounts will remain largely unchanged:

• €250 for flights of up to 1,500 kilometres.
• €400 for intra-EU flights or flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres.
• €600 for all other flights.

Which flights are covered?

The rules apply to passengers who:

• travel within the EU, regardless of whether the airline is established inside or outside the EU;
• travel to the EU from a non-EU country with an EU-based airline;
• travel from the EU to a non-EU country, regardless of whether the airline is established inside or outside the EU.

Next steps

The agreement will need to be officially approved by the European Parliament and confirmed by the Council in early August 2026. After publication in the Official Journal of the EU, the EU countries and airlines will have one year to implement the new rules.