The European Union member states have reached an agreement on a new framework that significantly reforms air passenger rights, particularly concerning compensation for flight delays. Under this revised proposal, the thresholds for eligibility will be extended. Travelers on short-haul flights will now only qualify for compensation if their delay exceeds four hours, while passengers on long-distance flights will need to experience a delay of six hours or more. This represents a substantial change from the current EU regulation, which permits compensation claims for delays of over three hours, irrespective of the flight distance.

The new framework also adjusts the compensation amounts. For short-haul flights, the potential payout will increase from €250 to €300. Conversely, for long-haul journeys, the maximum compensation will be reduced from €600 to €500. These modifications are part of an effort to update the long-standing passenger rights regulation to reflect modern aviation demands, operational complexities, and the evolving nature of air travel disruptions, aiming to balance passenger protection with the financial realities faced by airlines.

This move is part of a larger reform of the EU’s air passenger rights regulation, initially put forward by the European Commission in 2013. It has taken twelve years of extensive negotiations among member states to achieve consensus on key provisions, especially the delay thresholds for compensation. The European Commission's original draft was even more stringent, proposing compensation eligibility only after five hours of delay for short-haul flights and up to nine hours for long-haul services. While the current agreement is somewhat more lenient, it still marks a considerable tightening of existing rules.

The proposed changes have not been universally welcomed. The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) has expressed strong opposition, warning that the new delay thresholds could disqualify a large majority of passengers from receiving compensation, as most delays typically fall between two and four hours. On the other side, Airlines for Europe (A4E), representing major carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, and Lufthansa, argues that the revised rules do not go far enough, having advocated for even longer delay thresholds to allow for greater operational flexibility and cost control.

In addition to the alterations in compensation timing and amounts, the agreement introduces several passenger-focused enhancements. These include a guaranteed “right to rerouting” in cases of extensive delays, the automation of claim forms to simplify the compensation process, and reinforced protections for travelers with disabilities or reduced mobility. These measures are intended to offer some balance by improving customer service alongside the revised compensation eligibility criteria.

The proposal is not yet finalized and must still undergo scrutiny and approval by the European Parliament before it becomes legally binding across the EU. Despite the UK no longer being an EU member, these changes could still affect British travelers. The UK currently adheres to its own air passenger rights framework, adapted from previous EU rules, where compensation can be claimed for delays over three hours (£220-£520). However, an EU official clarified that the new EU compensation rules will apply to all flights operated by EU-based airlines. Consequently, UK passengers flying to or from the EU with an EU carrier could be subject to the new compensation thresholds and payout adjustments.

As the European Parliament prepares to deliberate on these reforms, the future of passenger compensation rights hangs in the balance. If the proposed framework is adopted, travelers across Europe and potentially beyond will see significant shifts in how airline delays are managed and the level of redress they can expect.