What the EU's new air passenger rights mean for millions of travelers

The agreement, reached between the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, updates existing legislation on passenger rights and airline liability.

Under the revised rules, passengers will benefit from clearer procedures for claiming compensation when flights are significantly delayed or cancelled. Airlines will be required to inform eligible passengers electronically about their rights within 96 hours of arrival and provide instructions on how to submit compensation requests. Carriers must acknowledge claims immediately and respond within 30 days, either by paying compensation or explaining why a claim has been rejected.

Compensation rules will remain largely unchanged. Passengers may be entitled to compensation if a flight arrives more than three hours late or is cancelled less than 14 days before departure. Payments will continue to range from €250 for shorter flights to €600 for long-haul routes, depending on distance.

The agreement also clarifies airlines' obligations to assist passengers during disruptions. Travelers facing delays will be entitled to refreshments, meals, internet access, and phone communications after specified waiting periods. If an overnight stay becomes necessary, airlines must provide hotel accommodation and transportation between the airport and the hotel. Passengers who arrange these services themselves because an airline fails to do so will be able to seek reimbursement.

Several new protections have also been introduced. Airlines will no longer be allowed to deny boarding to passengers solely because they missed an earlier segment of their journey, a practice commonly known as "no-show."

Airfares that include a hand baggage allowance must be displayed by default during the booking process to improve price transparency and make comparisons between airlines easier.

The new rules provide enhanced protections for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, as well as children, unaccompanied minors, and pregnant travelers. Families and passengers requiring assistance will be able to sit together at no extra charge. Travelers with reduced mobility will gain additional rights related to assistance services, rerouting, and compensation for lost or damaged mobility equipment.

Airlines will also face stricter information requirements. Passengers must be informed promptly about delays, cancellations, and the causes of disruptions. Carriers will be required to provide at least one free and effective communication channel for customers.

The agreement strengthens rerouting rights as well. Following a cancellation or denied boarding, airlines must offer passengers an alternative journey within three hours when possible. If a carrier fails to provide rerouting, passengers may arrange their own travel and seek reimbursement of up to 400% of the original ticket price.

The rules will continue to apply to flights within the EU, as well as many flights arriving in or departing from the bloc. The European Commission will review within three years whether the scope of the legislation should be expanded further. A voluntary EU air passenger rights label will also be introduced during the booking process to help travelers identify flights covered by the rules.

The agreement must still undergo legal review and receive formal approval from both the European Parliament and the Council before it can enter into force.

Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that the EU removed Kyrgyzstan from air safety blacklist after two decades.