EU ministers agree to new passenger rights rules, cutting delay compensation

EU transport ministers on 5 June agreed to revise rules on air passenger rights when flights are delayed or cancelled, cutting the compensation due for a delay and increasing the length of delay before compensation applies.

Although a raft of changes have been agreed, most crucially, the period of delay before passengers are entitled to compensation on flights under 3,500 km (short and medium haul) from three hours to four. The period of delay before compensation for flights over 3,500 km has increased from four hours to six or more.

Additionally, the proposal reduces the current amounts of compensation due for delays from €400 to €300 for flights up to 3,500 km, and from €600 to €500 for longer flights.

The proposed changes, which number over 30 in total, are still subject to review by the European Parliament.

Find out more here.