EU finalizes stronger airline passenger compensation rules

European Union institutions announced that after 13 years of negotiations they have reached an agreement to overhaul air passenger rights. The new regulation strengthens compensation for flight delays of more than three hours, with payments of €250 for trips up to 1,500 km, €400 for distances of 1,500–3,500 km and up to €600 for longer flights. Airlines must inform affected passengers electronically within 96 hours, confirm receipt of compensation claims immediately and settle them within 30 days.

Passengers will receive mandatory assistance during delays, including drinks every two hours, a meal after three hours and additional meals, internet access and two phone calls every five hours. If a delay requires an overnight stay, airlines must provide free hotel accommodation and transport to and from the airport. One free hand‑baggage allowance will be included in the displayed ticket price, and the practice of penalising “no‑show” passengers by canceling the return leg has been banned. Families, people with reduced mobility, pregnant travellers and unaccompanied children may sit together without extra charges.

The rules apply to all flights within the EU and to services operated by EU‑based airlines on external routes. The EU Council quoted the agreement, stating: “Yeni anlaşma, yolcuların yardım alma ve alternatif güzergaha yönlendirilme hakları, zamanında bilgilendirilme hakkı ile iptal ve gecikme durumlarında tazminat alma haklarını güçlendirip netleştiriyor.”