European Union Nears Agreement on EU261 Flight Compensation Rules

Negotiations between the European Parliament and the European Council are close to reaching a compromise on the EU261 passenger‑rights regulation, with a June 15 deadline. The core compensation scheme will stay largely unchanged – passengers will continue to receive cash payments of €250 to €600 depending on flight distance and delay length. Proposed adjustments include extending the delay threshold to four hours for short flights and six hours for longer ones, and allowing airlines to avoid compensation for delays caused by technical issues.

The deal also introduces stronger enforcement measures. Under the proposal, airlines must send eligible passengers a link to a compensation claim form within 48 hours of the scheduled arrival, provide the reason for the disruption, and respond to claims within 30 days. These steps aim to make the system more transparent and reduce the burden on travelers seeking compensation.