The European Council has provided its final endorsement for a significant revision of EU air passenger regulations, initiating a one-year deadline for airlines to adjust and implement the updated standards. Watch the video

Following a European Parliament vote of 646 in favor and 12 against on 7 July, the Council granted approval on 13 July, formally clearing the path for the new legislation to come into force. Thanks to the 12-month preparation period, these regulations are anticipated to be implemented by mid-2027.

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The fundamental figures remain unchanged, as compensation is still triggered after a delay exceeding three hours for cancellations notified less than 14 days before departure or in cases of denied boarding, with payments set at €250, €400, or €600 depending on the flight distance. Airlines maintain the right to deny compensation for disruptions outside their responsibility. The Parliament succeeded in preventing the Council from raising delay limits and reducing compensation amounts.

A new aspect is the claims procedure. Airlines are required to provide claim instructions within four days post-trip, passengers have nine months to submit claims using standardized EU forms, and airlines must respond with payment or denial justification within 30 days. The consumer group BEUC estimates that airlines currently hold approximately €3.2 billion in unclaimed compensation.

Additional modifications include the inclusion of a free personal item per ticket, transparent pricing with carry-on baggage incorporated, guaranteed return flights, and complimentary family seating for children under 14.