EU Parliament Decides to Keep 3‑Hour Flight‑Delay Compensation Rule

The European Union is renegotiating its 2004 regulation that obliges airlines to pay up to €600 for flights delayed more than three hours. In June 2025 a majority of the 27 member states voted for a reduced compensation amount, but the European Parliament rejected the cut in January 2026, saying it wants to "strengthen passenger rights." A compromise proposal is now ready for a vote; it retains the three‑hour threshold but would no longer provide pre‑filled claim forms.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), speaking at its annual general meeting in Rio, warned that the rule costs airlines about €8 billion a year. IATA vice‑president for Europe Rafael Schvartzman called the regulation a "reverse Robin Hood" and said airlines fear cancelling flights to avoid cascading delays and compensation demands. The French daily Les Echos reported on the draft compromise prepared by the European Commission.

The debate pits consumer‑protection advocates against the aviation industry, which argues the rule threatens flight schedules and adds significant financial strain.