EU Parliament Establishes Guidelines for Passenger Flight Delay Compensation

The European Parliament has made a significant decision regarding air passenger rights by rejecting proposed updates to their existing regulations, which aimed to raise the compensation threshold for flight delays.

On January 21, 2026, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted overwhelmingly, 632 to 15, to uphold the right to compensation for passengers experiencing delays of three hours or longer. They also resisted various suggestions that they felt would undermine air passenger rights.

This vote occurred following a new framework released by transport ministers at the European Council in June 2025, outlining potential revisions to passenger rights.

In its previous proposal, the council expressed, “The new framework aims to create simpler and clearer regulations for air passengers while finding a better balance between strong passenger protection and maintaining connectivity and fairness within the EU aviation market.”

Compensation Rules

A pivotal element within the council’s proposed framework involved extending the delay threshold to four hours for compensation eligibility, contingent upon flight distance, rather than retaining the three-hour limit.

Additionally, the ministers suggested a compensation range between €300 and €500. However, MEPs, advocating against any reductions, endorsed compensation amounts of €300 and €600.

Parliament’s efforts also included a proposal to refresh the list of extraordinary circumstances where airlines could be exempt from compensation obligations.

MEPs stressed that the airline’s accountability should not extend beyond situations they can control, advocating for an exhaustive, regularly updated list of extraordinary circumstances.

“Parliament is determined to push for clearer and more predictable regulations for airlines while fostering a robust aviation sector, without compromising passenger rights. Our stance is straightforward: we want to enhance, not weaken, air passenger rights. We believe that minimizing delays will deliver significant benefits for Europe’s economy,” stated Rapporteur Andrey Novakov.

Additional MEP Requests

The parliament also expressed support for several additional measures, including:

– Implementing a pre-filled form for compensation and reimbursements from airlines.
– Allowing passengers one personal item and one small piece of hand luggage for free.
– Ensuring that adults accompanying children under 14 and those assisting passengers with reduced mobility can sit with them at no additional charge.

Novakov urged EU transport ministers to “re-evaluate their stance” to achieve a mutually agreeable resolution.

The parliament’s standpoint will move forward under the second reading procedure to the council. If council members do not accept all the proposed amendments from the parliament, a “Conciliation Committee” will be convened to negotiate a final agreement.

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