New rules in the EU on passenger rights in airlines - What is foreseen

"We have achieved the first agreement – a milestone for air passenger rights in the EU for two decades," said the Commissioner responsible, Apostolos Tzijikostas - In 12 months the new framework will start to apply

New agreement After thirteen years of negotiations on air passenger rights in the EU, it was achieved between the Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council, marking the first revision of the rules that have been in force for two decades.

The political agreement on the Commission's text drawn up by the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostle Gidjikostas, It was presented yesterday and comes to modernise and strengthen the rights of EU air transport passengers, but also to support the competitiveness of airlines.

"The agreement is an important step in strengthening passenger rights. It provides stronger and clearer rights for passengers in practice, improves transparency and simplifies passenger compensation procedures. We have found the right balance: to maintain the world's top position on passenger protection in Europe while creating a fair, predictable and operational framework for the aviation sector. This agreement shows that Europe can offer practical solutions that benefit both citizens and businesses. I would like to thank the European Parliament, the Council and the Cyprus Presidency for their commitment and determination to reach this agreement," he stressed. Mr. Jijikostas.

Describing the benefits for citizens the Commissioner stressed that "they will continue to benefit from strong protection when flights are cancelled or delayed", while for airlines he pointed out that "it helps them operate more effectively and decisively enhances their competency." Also important are the benefits for the authorities responsible for imposing passenger rights.

In the main elements of the agreement, Mr. Gigikostas It included maintaining the compensation scheme for late flights, rationalising compensation procedures by facilitating passengers and airlines in handling requests. In addition, to adapt the rules on exceptional circumstances, facilitate passengers to compare air fares and introduce improved transparency in the pricing of hand luggage. Finally, strengthening the protection of passengers with reduced mobility or disability.

Among other things, the Agreement provides:

- What?More clear and strict rules for compensation and delays. If a flight is delayed by more than 3 hours, passengers are still entitled to compensation. The compensation is: * 250€ for flights up to 1,500 km * 400€ for flights from 1,500 to 3,500 km * 600€ for flights over 3,500 km.

- Ticket prices will be clearer. The price with hand luggage and the price without hand luggage will be clearly shown.

- What?The claim for compensation It becomes simpler, with specific deadlines, so that passengers receive more easily what is entitled.

- What?It will be clearer when an airline he does not have to pay compensation due to exceptional circumstances.

- What?Passengers would not be obliged(i) remain inside the aircraft in the event of a major delay before departure.

-No-show rule is repealed. If someone does not use the departure flight, they can normally use the return flight at no extra charge.

- Children under 14 years of age can sit next to the adult accompanying them without extra seat charge.

The rights of disabled persons and passengers with reduced mobility are strengthened.

- The airlines. they should better inform passengers of their rights.

"The final result of this great intervention is balanced, because it protects passengers, while ensuring that airlines can operate in a fair, practical and sustainable way. The existence of competitive European airlines is vital to the EU economy. Consumer confidence is one of the biggest tools we have to strengthen the competitiveness of our airlines. In order to improve competitiveness further, I will present aviation policy in the autumn, after extensive dialogue with all stakeholders, where we will look together at challenges and solutions," he stressed. Mr. Jijikostas.

The European Parliament and the European Council should now formally approve the political agreement. After approval and publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, the revised rules will apply after 12 months.