2026-07-21
The European Union has reached an agreement on new rules that will give air passengers simpler, clearer and stronger rights. Among other things, the new rules will make it easier to claim compensation, receive information during disruptions and be re-routed in the event of cancelled flights or denied boarding. 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
