European Union countries have approved a plan that allows airlines to delay flights longer before having to compensate passengers.
Currently, passengers in Europe are entitled to compensation of between 250 and 500 euros, depending on the distance of the flight, for delays of three hours or more.
However, airlines complain that this regulation is costing them a lot, and they are often forced to cancel flights due to the knock-on effects.
Most EU countries agreed on Thursday to change the rules, overcoming objections from Germany, in particular, after several hours of negotiations in Luxembourg.
Under the new system, the compensation threshold will be increased to four hours for flights up to 3,500 kilometers, or for flights within the European Union, and the amount will be 300 euros.
For longer flights, the right to compensation of 500 euros will apply after a delay of six hours.
The European Consumer Organisation BEUC has criticised the plan, saying that "the new threshold will deprive the majority of passengers of their right to compensation" as most delays are between two and four hours.
She has called on European lawmakers – who have not yet approved the text – to take passenger rights into account.
The compromise has not satisfied airlines either, as the Airlines Group for Europe, which includes Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, Ryanair and easyJet, have complained that "even more complications have been introduced" than in the European Commission's initial plan.
Polish Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak, whose country holds the EU presidency, said that "over 30 new rules" have been created for passengers.
This includes the right to reach the destination via alternative routes as quickly as possible, including flights operated by other carriers, or alternative modes of transport.
The plan also creates a system for passengers to be automatically compensated for cancelled flights within 14 days.
This also includes the right to assistance – for food and accommodation – when trips do not go according to plan.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said he was pleased with the compromise.
"The text could be more ambitious, but it is a step forward towards improving the quality of services provided to passengers," he said in a post on the social network 'X'./ REL (A2 Televizion)
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