EU approves new airline passenger rights including €500 compensation for flight delays

Passengers will get up to €500 for long delays, fairer rerouting rules, and protection from unfair airline policies

Passengers informed of cancellations less than two weeks before departure will also be entitled to compensation. Picture: Dan Linehan

A sweeping update to airline passenger rights, including compensation of up to €500 for flight delays, has been approved by EU transport ministers.

More than 30 new or strengthened rights have been agreed, including revisions to regulations on air passenger rights and airline liability—covering everything from booking to meals, delays, and cancellations.

The long-awaited changes mean airlines can no longer cite "extraordinary circumstances" to deny compensation unless they prove they took all reasonable steps to avoid the disruption. 

Passengers informed of cancellations less than two weeks before departure will also be entitled to compensation.

A controversial “no-show” policy used by some airlines will be scrapped. Under the new rules, airlines cannot block a return flight because a passenger missed the outbound leg.

Minister of State Seán Canney who attended this week's meeting of the EU Transport Council said: “I am delighted that, after 12 years of negotiations, we have finally reached political agreement on a new and stronger framework for air passenger rights. 

"This will be a major milestone in putting passengers first, with fairer, simpler and more transparent rules. I look forward to the agreement now moving forward to the next stage of the legislative process.” 

The proposed rules aim to strike a balance between robust passenger protection and the operational realities of air travel and competition within the EU single market.

Key proposed improvements include:

• Mandatory rerouting: Airlines must arrange alternative travel at the earliest opportunity—including using other carriers or transport modes. If they fail to do so within three hours, passengers may book their own travel and claim up to 400% reimbursement of the original fare.
• Clearer rights to assistance: Airlines must provide refreshments, meals, accommodation, and disembarkation after long tarmac delays. If not provided, passengers can make their own arrangements and be reimbursed.
• Updated compensation: Delays of four to six hours will entitle passengers to compensation ranging from €300 to €500, depending on journey length. Airlines can only refuse compensation if they can prove all reasonable preventative measures were taken.
• Ban on unfair no-show policies: Passengers will no longer be denied boarding on return flights because they missed the outbound leg. They will also be eligible for compensation in such cases.
• Improved access to information and compensation: Airlines must automatically provide pre-filled compensation claim forms after cancellations. Passengers will have six months to file a complaint, and airlines must respond and issue payment within 14 days.

The new measures will now move to the European Parliament, which can approve, amend, or reject the Council’s proposal.

Mr Canney said: “I strongly support this political agreement. Once approved by Parliament, it will provide clarity and fairness for passengers and ensure airlines meet their obligations in a timely and transparent way.”