EU negotiators reach agreement on updated airline passenger rights

EU negotiators from the European Parliament and the Council have finalized a compromise framework regarding air passenger rights. The agreement largely maintains current compensation rules for flight delays and cancellations, retaining the three-hour threshold for eligibility. Passengers remain entitled to 250 euros for flights up to 1,500 km, 400 euros for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, 300 euros for long-haul flights delayed by 3-4 hours, and up to 600 euros for delays exceeding four hours or cancellations. Airlines will now be mandated to facilitate the claim process by sending a standardized form link to passengers within 48 hours of a flight disruption. Companies must also provide clear explanations for delays, including the specific details of any extraordinary circumstances cited to avoid liability. EU ambassadors are scheduled to review the finalized proposal this Friday. This agreement concludes months of intensive negotiations intended to modernize existing aviation regulations.