Իտալիան, Իսպանիան, Գերմանիան, Ֆրանսիան, Լեհաստանը, Նիդեռլանդները, Ֆինլանդիան և այլ երկրներ պատրաստվում են ԵՄ ուղևորների իրավունքների վերանայմանը՝ Եվրոպայում չվերթների փոխհատուցման և ավիաընկերությունների տուրքերի կանոնների վերանայման նոր ծրագրերի շրջանակներում։

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

The European Union is preparing to roll out major changes to air passenger rights, prompting countries like Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Poland, Netherlands, Finland and more to brace for a shift that could reshape the travel experience across the continent. Under newly proposed plans, long-standing compensation rules and airline obligations are set for a significant overhaul—reducing payouts for delays, extending wait times before compensation kicks in, and limiting the duty of care airlines must provide. These updates aim to modernize existing laws but have raised concerns that travelers could end up with fewer protections during flight disruptions.

At the center of the changes is a sweeping overhaul of the EU’s passenger protection regulations, first introduced in 2004. Known for establishing clear rights to compensation and care during travel disruptions, the existing framework has long been a lifeline for passengers—especially when flights are delayed, cancelled, or overbooked. But now, with the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union backing a new proposal, the framework is about to get a serious update.

What’s Changing for Passengers?

One of the biggest updates in the new proposal involves compensation amounts for disrupted flights. Under the current system, passengers on delayed or cancelled flights can receive between €250 and €600, depending on the distance of the journey. The revised plan changes those numbers—and not always in travelers’ favor.

For short-haul flights of up to 1,500 kilometers, passengers may see a bump in payouts from €250 to €300. However, for medium-haul routes (1,500 to 3,500 kilometers), the compensation amount could drop from €400 to €300. Even long-haul travelers aren’t spared. Flights over 3,500 kilometers, which currently allow for up to €600 in compensation, would now be capped at €500 if the new rules pass.

And it’s not just the money that’s changing—the delay time threshold is going up too. Today, travelers can claim compensation if their flight is delayed by three hours or more. The new proposal would increase that to four hours for flights under 3,500 kilometers, and to six hours for long-haul journeys. In other words, passengers may have to wait even longer before they’re eligible for any payout.

Limited Hotel Stays and Narrower Duty of Care

Another major point in the proposed changes affects the խնամքի պարտականությունը airlines owe to stranded passengers. Currently, if you’re stuck overnight due to a cancelled flight, the airline is required to provide accommodation—sometimes indefinitely, depending on the situation.

Under the new rules, that obligation could be capped at երեք գիշեր. After that, passengers would be responsible for their own expenses unless the airline voluntarily extends support. For those stuck in far-flung cities or affected by long travel disruptions, that could mean added personal costs at a time when they’re already stressed and inconvenienced.

The proposal also gives airlines more legal room to seek redress from third parties when external issues cause disruptions. For example, if a fire at an airport triggers delays, the airline may no longer bear the full burden of passenger compensation. This change could relieve carriers from financial strain in such situations—but also potentially leaves passengers waiting longer for reimbursement.

Strikes and Sick Crew No Longer Trigger Compensation

The proposal also aims to clarify what counts as “extraordinary circumstances,” a term that airlines have often used to avoid paying compensation. Strikes, especially those carried out by airline staff, would no longer automatically qualify travelers for compensation. Similarly, if a crew member falls ill and no backup staff are available at the destination, the airline wouldn’t be required to offer payouts either.

Previously, passengers could expect compensation in these cases unless the airline could prove the situation was truly unavoidable. Under the new definitions, airlines would no longer need to have standby crew in every city, and they would be legally protected from paying out in such events.

Why This Matters Across Europe

Նման երկրների համար France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Finland, and others that serve as major air travel hubs and tourist gateways, these new rules could affect millions of travelers annually. Whether flying within Europe or connecting to other continents, passengers from these countries routinely face travel disruptions—and the proposed regulations could change how airlines respond when things go wrong.

Consumer advocacy groups across the EU are voicing concern that these updates might shift the balance too far in favor of the airlines. Some argue that reducing payouts and narrowing eligibility undermines the spirit of the original 2004 law, which aimed to hold airlines accountable and protect travelers’ rights.

However, from the airline industry’s perspective, the revisions could bring much-needed relief from what they see as outdated and overly rigid requirements. Airlines have long argued that the current system doesn’t reflect the complexities of modern air travel and often places unfair financial burdens on them for situations beyond their control.

Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Poland, Netherlands, Finland and more are bracing for a major EU travel rules shakeup as new proposals aim to cut flight compensation, extend delay thresholds, and scale back airline responsibilities across Europe.

Ինչ է տեղի ունենալու հաջորդում:

The proposed rule changes still need to go through further debate and approval processes before they can become law. Both the European Parliament and the Council have shown support, but member states and stakeholders will likely continue negotiating the finer details in the months ahead.

For now, travelers should continue following existing rules under the 2004 framework. But if these new plans are formally adopted, passengers across Europe will need to prepare for a future where compensation is harder to obtain, eligibility is narrower, and support during travel disruptions may not stretch as far as it used to.

So whether you’re flying out of Paris, connecting through Frankfurt, or returning from a sunny trip to Malaga, these changes could soon affect your rights—and your wallet.