What happened
- Airlines must send a link to the compensation claim form within 48 hours of the scheduled arrival time.
- Airlines must provide the specific reason for the disruption, including any extraordinary circumstances, to avoid paying.
- Airlines have 30 days to pay compensation or justify a refusal after a request is submitted. The draft has been agreed upon by member ambassadors and is expected to be adopted by the conciliation committee by June 15, 2026. The European Regions Airline Association argues the changes will increase annual costs from €8.1 billion to over €15 billion, potentially leading to higher fares
The European Union is finalizing updates to its EC261 flight delay and cancellation compensation regulations, moving away from earlier fears of consumer-friendly cuts. The revised rules will maintain the existing cash compensation structure (€250–€600 based on distance) but introduce significant procedural improvements for passengers. Key changes include: