EU is planning new rules: less compensation for flight delays!

EU is planning new rules: less compensation for flight delays!

Vienna, Österreich - On April 8, 2025, the existing EU compensation rules for air passengers are on the brink. Consumer protectors vehemently reject the plans to loosen these regulations. These proposals could lead to airlines that around 85% of the previous compensation no longer had to pay. In addition, a new proposal is discussed in Brussels, which wants to raise the compensation threshold of three hours of waiting to at least five hours. This period could even extend to twelve hours in long -distance flights. Passengers are currently entitled to compensation payments between 250 and 600 euros, depending on the removal of the flight. vienna.at

The information about the changed conditions is based on data analyzes by the software company Lennoc, which was created on behalf of the Dutch consumer protection organization Consumentenbond. The German expert Jutta Gurkmann from the Federal Consumer Center (VZBV) emphasizes the importance of an appropriate level of protection for flight travelers. It calls on the German government to work at the EU level for the preservation and expansion of these rights. A step backwards in the compensation issues not only meet the passengers, but could also lead to a fundamental deterioration in flight services.

Current flight passenger rights

According to the Passenger Rights Ordinance VO (EC) No. 261/2004, passengers are entitled to compensation for delays from three hours provided by EU or non-EU air ride. The amount of compensation depends on the distance of the flight:

• flights up to 1500 km: 250 euros
• flights over 1500 km within the EU or flight routes between 1500 and 3500 km: 400 euros
• flights over 3500 km: 600 euros

If a flight is canceled or is delayed by more than three hours, the airlines are obliged to inform the passengers about their rights. This also includes support services such as meals and hotel accommodations for longer waiting times.

The rights of the passengers apply to all flights from an EU airport, regardless of the airline and also for flights from non-EU countries, provided they are carried out by an EU airline. However, the regulations are not applicable if the passengers have already used services under non-EU law. The EU consists of 27 member states, and the rights are also relevant for flights from Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. Europa.eu

In summary, the discussion about flight passenger rights in the EU faces a crucial turn. While the airlines are pronounced for loosening the regulations, consumer advocates warn of the possible negative consequences for passengers. It remains to be seen whether the governments in the EU will stand for the preservation of these standards.