European states have given the green light to a new law designed to strengthen the rights of air passengers. These updated regulations aim to improve passenger protection while ensuring a balanced relationship with the operational realities of airlines.
The new rules cover enhanced compensation, support, better information provision, clearer communication with airlines, and specific arrangements for re-routing in cases of delays or cancellations. Moving forward, if passengers are entitled to compensation, they must notify the airline electronically within four days of their arrival. The airlines will then be granted a nine-month period to process the compensation claim. Furthermore, the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” is being clarified to make it easier for passengers to exercise their rights.
Additional rights are being introduced, such as banning airlines from refusing boarding on a return flight solely because the passenger missed the initial outbound flight. Price transparency is also being improved; flight prices must now include carry-on baggage before the booking process begins, making comparisons between various airlines easier for consumers. Specific and reinforced rights are also being established for vulnerable groups, including people with special needs, such as individuals with disabilities or limited mobility, children, unaccompanied minors, and pregnant passengers.
The updated guidelines for air travelers will come into force 12 months and 20 days after their publication in the Official Journal, meaning they are expected to apply starting in mid-2027.
