EU flight‑delay compensation rules face clash as Poland seeks higher thresholds

At a recent meeting of EU transport ministers, the future of passenger compensation for delayed flights became the central issue. The European Parliament wants to keep the current rule that obliges airlines to pay €250‑€600 when a flight is delayed by more than three hours. The EU Council, supported by Polish Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak, is pushing to extend the qualifying delay to four hours for intra‑European routes and six hours for long‑haul flights.

Poland argues the change would stabilise airline finances and prevent ticket‑price hikes, especially for the national carrier LOT. The commission’s draft faces resistance from consumer groups and some MEPs, who fear weaker passenger protection. Negotiators have until 15 June to reach a compromise before the proposal is formally adopted.