EU Considers Reducing Compensation for Flight Delays

The European Union is currently evaluating a change in the regulations governing compensation for air passengers, which could result in reduced payouts for flight delays. This proposed revision seeks to extend the minimum waiting times before passengers are eligible for financial compensation.

Key Changes Under Consideration

Currently, Regulation (EC) 261/2004 grants passengers compensation for delays exceeding three hours. The new proposal suggests raising this threshold to:

• 5 hours for short-haul flights
• 9 hours for medium-haul flights
• 12 hours for long-haul flights

The initiative stems from a regulatory review started in 2013 but only formally discussed in late 2023. Proponents argue that the reform aligns with modern aviation challenges and provides a fairer approach considering weather disruptions and labor strikes, which airlines cannot control.

Industry & Consumer Reactions

• Airlines Support the Proposal: They claim that the current system is too costly and does not always consider exceptional circumstances.
• Passenger Rights Groups Oppose It: Consumer advocates warn that fewer travelers will qualify for compensation, as most delays last less than 5 hours. They also argue that the change could reduce airlines’ incentive to ensure punctual flights.

What’s Next?

For now, the proposal remains under discussion and has not been approved. Until further notice, the current EU compensation rules (Regulation 261/2004) remain in effect across Europe.