EU reform: Passengers in danger-what does that mean for passengers?

EU reform: Passengers in danger-what does that mean for passengers?

Luxemburg, Luxemburg - On June 18, 2025, the EU Council decided to reform passengers that brings fundamental changes to flight passengers. This legislative reform stipulates that compensation claims for delays will only apply to short -haul routes from four hours and for long -haul flights from six hours, while the current regulation provides for compensation from three hours. These new regulations could have a significant impact for many travelers, since over 75% of the delays are around three hours, which will no longer be entitled to many passengers, warns the ÖAMTC lawyer Verena Pronebner. According to the Austrian press agency (ots), the amount of the compensation is based on the distance to the flight destination.

reforms and suggestions for improvement

The EU is planning a comprehensive revision of the passenger rights regulation (EG No. 261/2004) with the aim of finding a "fairer balance" between the interests of the airlines and those of the passengers. This reform proposal was initiated over a decade ago, but has returned to drive under the Polish EU Council Presidency. The current proposal could significantly raise the threshold for compensation and mean that passengers receive fewer compensation in the future. In this context, the ÖAMTC also calls for a standardization of the hand luggage regulations without disadvantageing consumers.

Another point on the agenda is the introduction of a cost -covering flat rate for snacks and drinks on departure delays. However, consumer advocates express severe concerns and warn that the reform could be a step backwards for passengers. Particular attention is paid to the exceptions "extraordinary circumstances", such as natural disasters or internal technical problems that free airlines from paying compensation.

political views and further developments

The discussion about the reform is characterized by controversy. The Federal Government proposes to increase the claims for compensation from the current three to four or six hours and at the same time reduce the amount of the compensation. Stefanie Hubig, SPD Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection, expressly campaigns for the protection of consumer rights. In the current political climate, however, there is no majority for a proposal, which means that negotiations should continue until autumn.

An open mood among the EU countries shows that countries such as Austria, Sweden, Slovakia and the Netherlands are against an increase in compensation claims, while Italy is exhausted. The next negotiations are scheduled for a meeting of the EU Transport Minister in Luxembourg, where new compromises are to be negotiated. How the reform ends in the end is still uncertain, but the time frame for agreements is limited.