IATA criticises EU passenger rights reform as missed opportunity
The overhaul keeps existing compensation thresholds and adds free family seating, clearer claims rules and stronger aid for disabled travelers.
- The European Parliament and EU member states reached a deal on updated air passenger rights, with Cyprus transport minister Alexis Vafeades saying it would "radically and substantially upgrade the everyday life of all passengers." Implementation is expected in early July 2027.
- Updating regulations that remained largely unchanged for more than a decade, the agreement enshrines principles established by the Court of Justice of the European Union over the past two decades into law, creating greater legal certainty for passengers and airlines.
- Families can sit next to children under 14 at no extra cost, while passengers with disabilities receive stronger protections, including access to pushchairs and wheelchairs until boarding and immediately upon arrival.
- During the conciliation process, member states voted 85 per cent in favour of the agreement, which simplifies the claims process by requiring airlines to pay compensation or explain refusals within 30 days.
- While Vafeades called the deal a success, The International Air Transport Association expressed disappointment, arguing the reforms impose new regulatory costs without addressing underlying causes of travel disruption across Europe.
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16 Articles
The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have reached a political agreement on the first major reform of air passenger rights in more than 20 years.
Air travellers set for clearer rights under Cyprus-led EU deal
Cyprus transport minister Alexis Vafeades said on Wednesday that a long-awaited European agreement on air passenger rights is expected to come into force in early July 2027, following approval by the European Parliament and the Council. Speaking after the Council of Ministers meeting, Vafeades said he had briefed cabinet on the agreement reached in Strasbourg during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. The reform updates rules that h…
Updated air passenger rights: what the new EU rules mean for travellers
The European Parliament and EU member states have reached a deal on updated air passenger rights, in what is being described as one of the most significant reforms in the sector for more than a decade.
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