Air Passenger Rights in the EU in 2026: Delay Compensation Will Remain, and Filing Claims Will Be Easier

The EU has nearly completed its reform of air passenger rights: the three-hour delay threshold for compensation will remain, and the claims process will be simplified. Find out what compensation amounts will remain in effect, what new obligations will apply to airlines, and when the new rules will take effect

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For months, Brussels has been at the center of a heated debate over the reform of air passenger rights. The Council of the EU, which represents the governments of member states, wanted to weaken protections: raise the delay threshold for compensation from three to four to six hours, depending on the flight’s distance, and change the compensation amounts. The European Parliament opposed this and insisted on maintaining the current rules. After negotiations on Tuesday ended without an agreement, the process moved to the Conciliation Committee. Politico reports on the developments.

Read also: How to save money while traveling in Europe — 8 tourist mistakes that make you overpay.

A compromise has been reached: the three-hour threshold remains

According to Politico, the compromise proposal being discussed by member state ambassadors retains the three-hour delay threshold—the most contentious issue of the entire reform remains virtually unchanged.

Compensation amounts will also remain close to current levels:

● €250 — for flights up to 1,500 km;

● €400 — for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km;

● €300 — for flights over 3,500 km with delays of three to four hours;

● €600 — for flights over 3,500 km with delays of more than four hours or flight cancellations.

For comparison: previously, the EU Council proposed setting compensation payments only in the range of €300–€500 and only after delays of four to six hours—meaning that some passengers who are currently entitled to compensation would lose that entitlement. Thanks to the European Parliament’s position, this did not happen.

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New obligations for airlines: 48 hours and 30 days

In addition to maintaining the level of compensation, the compromise includes several important new requirements for carriers:

1. 48-hour notification. Airlines are required to send passengers a link to the compensation claim form within 48 hours of the scheduled arrival time of a delayed or canceled flight. The goal is to simplify the claims process and reduce bureaucratic barriers for passengers.

2. Explanation of reasons. The carrier is required to explain the reasons for the disruption and specify any extraordinary circumstances it cites to justify exemption from paying compensation. The notification must be sent via a “durable medium”—such as email—rather than through in-app push notifications, which make it harder for passengers to track the information.

3. 30 days to respond. After receiving a claim from a passenger, the airline will have 30 days to pay compensation or provide a reasoned refusal. For paper claims, this period may be extended.

This system replaced the previous idea of providing passengers with pre-filled forms, which had been discussed earlier.

Carry-on luggage: the ticket price must include a bag in the overhead compartment

Separately, earlier this week, negotiators reached an agreement on another contentious issue—carry-on luggage. Airlines will be required to display ticket prices that include a carry-on bag in the overhead compartment, not just a small bag under the seat. Passengers without carry-on luggage will be able to opt out of it in exchange for a discount.

This directly addresses the practices of low-cost carriers, which often display a minimum price that does not include carry-on luggage, which is actually essential for most travelers.

What’s next: final decision by June 15

If the ambassadors of member states approve the package proposal at their meeting on Friday, the final agreement must be adopted by the conciliation committee—which includes both Members of the European Parliament and representatives of member states—by June 15, 2026.

For Ukrainians who frequently travel through EU airports, maintaining the current level of protection is undoubtedly good news. And when traveling abroad, it’s also worth taking care of health insurance — you can quickly purchase a policy for travel abroad online through Visit Ukraine.

We remind you! The Ukrainian airline SkyUp has announced the “Wings of Gratitude” social initiative—tickets for 1 euro for combatants and veterans with a UBD certificate. Read how to use the program, which routes are available, and what to do if your vacation dates change.

Photo: Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images

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