EU finalises new rules to strengthen air passenger compensation and assistance

The European Union has formally adopted new legislation to enhance protections for air passengers across its member states, updating rules on compensation, assistance, and information in cases of flight disruptions. The EU Council's final approval on Monday marks a significant revision to the existing framework, aiming to simplify and clarify passenger rights while introducing several new consumer-friendly measures.

Compensation and Assistance

Passengers whose flights arrive more than three hours late or are cancelled less than 14 days before departure will remain eligible for compensation, unless the disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline's control. The compensation structure remains unchanged at €250 for shorter flights, €400 for medium distances, and €600 for long-haul services. The new rules also strengthen requirements for care, mandating that airlines provide refreshments every two hours during delays and meals after three hours, as well as accommodation for overnight stays.

Rerouting, Reimbursement, and Family Protections

Carriers are now required to offer an alternative route at the earliest opportunity following a cancellation or denied boarding. If an airline fails to provide suitable rerouting within three hours, passengers may arrange their own travel and seek reimbursement of up to four times the original ticket price. The new rules also guarantee that families with children under 14 will be seated together without extra charges, with similar protections for passengers with reduced mobility and pregnant passengers.

Definitions and Implementation

The revised framework clarifies the definition of extraordinary circumstances under which airlines may be exempted from compensation, placing the burden of proof on carriers to demonstrate that such circumstances directly caused the disruption and that all reasonable measures were taken to prevent it. Additionally, airlines are now prohibited from cancelling a passenger's return flight because they did not use the outbound ticket, and they must display the total ticket price including hand baggage allowance before booking. The new rules will take effect 12 months and 20 days after publication.