The Council of the European Union, has approved a final compromise text on the Regulation on the rights of passengers of European air carriers. The agreement, reached after intensive consultations between the Cyprus Presidency and the European Parliament, paves the way for a deal with the European Parliament on Monday.
Official announcements are expected at 20:30 (Cyprus time) from the European Parliament.
Background to the negotiations
The Cyprus Presidency reached what was described as a final and balanced compromise on the regulation governing the rights of passengers of European air carriers. The Council approved the final text with a significant majority of member states, following intensive consultations with the European Parliament. The text was designed to safeguard and strengthen passenger rights while ensuring the competitiveness of European air carriers and the connectivity of air services.
During the negotiations, the Presidency focused on strengthening passenger rights, improving legal clarity and ensuring the operational and financial sustainability of the sector, particularly during a period marked by geopolitical instability and energy pressures.
The negotiations were conducted under a deadline set by the conciliation procedure between the Council and the European Parliament, which expires on Monday, 15 June. This marked the first activation of the conciliation procedure in 13 years.
New protections against no-show practices
Among the key new benefits for air passengers is stronger protection against no-show practices, particularly for persons with reduced mobility, pregnant women and unaccompanied minors, as well as safeguards ensuring passengers do not lose the right to use their return flight if they do not use the outbound flight.
What the agreement means for passengers and airlines
The compromise includes enhanced rights for persons with disabilities, faster and fairer rerouting options, clear deadlines for airlines to process compensation requests, and stricter rules on the use of travel vouchers. It also provides for improved baggage rights. Rules on flight delays and cancellations, compensation thresholds, compensation amounts, and the way passengers are informed electronically of their rights and of the procedure for submitting compensation claims will now be governed under the modernised Regulation on Air Passenger Rights.
No-show policy
The application of no-show policies is prohibited for persons with reduced mobility, pregnant women and unaccompanied minors. Strict rules are introduced for the application of no-show policies on return tickets.
Boarding passes
Boarding passes will be provided free of charge. Passengers will not be required to use mobile phone applications.
Correction of personal details
Passengers will be able to correct errors in their name without additional charge.
Persons with disabilities
New compensation rights apply when airports fail to provide the necessary assistance. Priority will be given in the provision of assistance and in rerouting. Families, persons with reduced mobility and their companions will be able to sit together at no extra cost. Mobility equipment and assistance dogs may be transported without additional insurance. Free replacement of mobility equipment is provided in the event of loss or damage.
Compensation requests
Clear deadlines are set within which airlines must respond to passenger requests.
Musical instruments
Musical instruments may be transported in the cabin under appropriate conditions and without additional charges.
Passenger rights and intermediaries
Passengers will be able to claim their rights more easily without relying on intermediaries. The no-show policy is prohibited for persons with disabilities, pregnant women and unaccompanied minors, and is strictly regulated on return tickets. Airlines will not be permitted to deny passengers the right to use their return flight because they did not use the outbound flight, nor to impose related charges.
Hand luggage
Transparency is strengthened, with airlines required to clearly display hand luggage conditions alongside the ticket price. No EU-wide standards are set for dimensions and weight, allowing carriers to maintain competitive pricing.
Delays and cancellations
Discussions focused on compensation thresholds and on simplifying claims procedures through pre-filled forms.
Source: Council of the European Union
