Air passenger rights are set to improve significantly under a new EU agreement led by Cyprus, expected to come into force in early July 2027. Cyprus’s transport minister, Alexis Vafeades, announced this development following a meeting of the Council of Ministers.
The agreement, reached in Strasbourg during Cyprus’s presidency of the Council of the EU, updates regulations that have remained largely unchanged for over a decade. Vafeades expressed optimism about the reform, calling it a “great success for all passengers throughout Europe,” as it aims to clarify and enhance rights regarding flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding.
Under the new rules, passengers will find it easier to understand their rights and access compensation. Families travelling with children under 14 will benefit from the ability to sit together without incurring additional charges. Furthermore, provisions for passengers with disabilities will be strengthened, ensuring they receive adequate support during their travels.
Vafeades highlighted the importance of this reform for Cyprus, where air travel is vital for tourism, business, and the economy. He noted, “We believe that overall, in addition to transparency, it also offers reliability in transport,” emphasising that the new regulations would enhance connectivity—a crucial aspect for the island nation.
The agreement was met with overwhelming support during the conciliation process, with 85 per cent of member states voting in favour and full backing from the European Parliament. This reflects a strong consensus on the need for clearer passenger rights. European Parliament president Roberta Metsola remarked that the reform would not only strengthen rights but also make them easier to enforce. Meanwhile, European Commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, labelled the outcome as beneficial for both passengers and airlines.
Under the new framework, passengers will retain the right to reimbursement or re-routing in cases of flight cancellations, as well as compensation for long delays or denied boarding. Additionally, the claims process will be simplified; passengers will have nine months to submit a claim, and airlines will be required to respond within 30 days, either compensating the passenger or explaining the refusal.
Other notable aspects of the agreement include clearer duties of care during disruptions, such as provisions for meals, refreshments, and accommodation when necessary. There will also be enhanced transparency regarding hand luggage and ticket prices, ensuring that fares are clearly displayed from the outset of the booking process.
As the legislative process moves forward, both the European Parliament and the Council will vote separately on the agreed text. Following these votes, the new regulations are expected to be legally revised before implementation in July 2027. The anticipation surrounding this agreement marks a significant step towards improving the travel experience for millions of air passengers across Europe.
