On Wednesday 21 January, the European Parliament adopted by a large majority its position on the revision of the rules on air passenger rights proposed by the Member States of the European Union in June 2025 through the European Council. The text was approved by 632 votes to 15, with 9 abstentions. MEPs clearly opposed the EU ministers' desire to weaken a legal framework in force since 2004, designed to guarantee adequate protection for travellers in the event of disruptions to their journeys.
Preserving existing rights
Parliament wants to maintain passengers' right to a refund or re-routing, as well as the right to compensation in the event of delays of more than three hours, flight cancellations or denied boarding. The Council, for its part, wanted to raise the threshold for compensation to a delay of between four and six hours, depending on the distance of the flight.
MEPs also reject any reduction in the current levels of compensation. They propose setting compensation at between €300 and €600, depending on the distance travelled, while the Council advocates a range of between €300 and €500.
With regard to the liability of airlines, which is limited to situations under their control, Parliament wishes to update and make exhaustive the list of extraordinary circumstances allowing exemption from compensation. This currently includes natural disasters, armed conflicts, extreme weather conditions or unforeseen industrial disputes affecting airlines, airports or air navigation service providers. MEPs call for this list to be regularly updated by the European Commission.
However, Parliament agrees with the Council that the obligation to care for stranded passengers should be maintained in all circumstances. This includes the provision of refreshments every two hours from the initial departure time, a meal after three hours, and accommodation in the event of prolonged delay, up to a maximum of three nights. This limit is intended to offer airlines greater predictability and avoid excessive costs.
Faster reimbursements and enhanced protection
To simplify procedures, MEPs would like to see the introduction of pre-filled forms for claims for reimbursement and compensation. Airlines would be required to send these forms to the passengers concerned within 48 hours of a cancellation or delay, contrary to the Council's position, which limits this obligation to cancellations only. Passengers would then have one year in which to submit their claim.
Parliament is also proposing to strengthen baggage rights by guaranteeing one personal item and a small piece of hand luggage free of charge weighing no more than seven kilos in total and measuring no more than 100 centimetres overall. MEPs also want to abolish charges for correcting name errors or for check-in, and guarantee a free choice between digital and paper boarding passes.
Finally, special attention is paid to vulnerable passengers. People with disabilities or reduced mobility should receive compensation and assistance if a lack of help prevents them from boarding in time. They, as well as pregnant women, infants and accompanied children in pushchairs, should benefit from priority boarding and be placed alongside their companions at no extra charge.
What next?
The Parliament's rapporteur, Bulgarian Andrey Novakov, reiterated Parliament's determination to improve passenger rights. " Parliament is ready to continue the fight for clearer and more predictable rules for airlines and a stronger aviation sector, but not at the expense of passengers. Our line is clear: we are determined to improve, not weaken, the rights of air passengers. We insist that reducing delays has significant overall benefits for the European economy. Consequently, the three-hour threshold for compensation, existing compensation levels, pre-filled forms and applicable guarantees remain our red lines." .
In accordance with the second reading procedure, Parliament's position will be forwarded to the Council. If the Council does not accept all of Parliament's amendments, a "conciliation committee will be convened to reach agreement on the final version of the legislative text.
