Dorita Yiannakou
There is growing optimism that a breakthrough may finally be within reach in long-running EU negotiations to revise passenger rights in air travel.
The issue, which was inherited during the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU and is being handled by the Ministry of Transport, has now reached a crucial stage. According to information obtained by “K”, a common understanding has been reached on most technical issues, with the remaining differences mainly focused on compensation levels and the time thresholds for airline liability.
Officials familiar with the talks say there is genuine political will among member states to find a solution, although it remains uncertain whether a final agreement will be reached before the end of the Cypriot presidency.
Key sticking points remain
Despite progress, major reservations remain from countries with strong aviation interests, such as Ireland, which will take over the EU Council Presidency after Cyprus in July.
Consumer groups are also weighing in, stressing that any revision must strengthen, not weaken, existing protections for passengers. They argue that the updated rules should improve safety, transparency, and ensure fair and timely compensation for flight delays and cancellations.
Airlines, however, continue to express concerns about the proposed changes.
Long-running EU reform effort
After 13 years of deadlock, the EU appears closer than ever to agreeing on a new framework for air passenger rights that reflects today’s travel realities. The process is complex and involves negotiations between the European Parliament, the European Commission, and EU member states.
The original 2013 European Commission proposal was revived last year. In June 2025, EU transport ministers reached a political agreement, while the European Parliament pushed to maintain key protections, such as compensation for delays, guarantees on seating for families, and clearer rules on hand luggage.
The debate has now moved back to the Council of the EU, which is reviewing proposed amendments. If no agreement is reached, a conciliation committee will be tasked with producing a final compromise text.
A key meeting expected in early June will bring together EU ministers once again, with the aim of bridging differences on three core issues: compensation amounts, delay thresholds, and airline obligations in cases of cancellations and long disruptions.
Officials warn that if no agreement is reached by the end of June, when Cyprus’ presidency concludes, the file could remain open for years. Reservations from countries with strong aviation sectors, particularly Ireland, continue to slow progress.
“Two sides” of the debate
Countries and airlines backing a more cautious approach argue that higher compensation levels and stricter obligations could hurt European carriers’ competitiveness, especially against non-EU airlines, and ultimately push ticket prices higher.
Low-cost carriers in particular warn that stricter rules could significantly increase operating costs. Some have previously reduced or withdrawn routes, citing regulatory and financial pressure.
On the other hand, supporters of the reform say the goal is to strengthen passenger rights and create stronger incentives for airlines to avoid cancellations and manage delays more efficiently.
They argue that compensation rules are an important deterrent, pushing airlines to rebook passengers quickly and find alternatives when disruptions occur.
Cyprus’ specific challenge
For Cyprus, the issue carries additional weight due to its geographic isolation and dependence on air connectivity. In cases of cancellations, alternative flights are not always easily available.
The Ministry of Transport has therefore stressed the need for more flexible and less costly mechanisms to handle disruptions, particularly for remote and island states such as Cyprus.
Cyprus Presidency role
The Cypriot Presidency has played an active role in steering negotiations, based on a mandate agreed by a majority of member states.
The central challenge remains finding a balance between protecting passengers and ensuring the sustainability of the aviation industry.
While the European Parliament insists passengers should not bear the cost of disruptions, several member states warn that adding further obligations could weaken airline competitiveness.
Discussions continue to focus on three main areas: compensation for delays and cancellations, simplified and faster claims procedures, and clear definitions of “extraordinary circumstances” where airlines are exempt from paying compensation, such as war, extreme weather, or events beyond their control.
Consumer groups warn of rollback
European consumer organizations, including the Cyprus Consumers Association, warn that the proposed changes could significantly weaken passenger protections.
They argue that raising the delay threshold for compensation to four or six hours could exclude more than 60% of eligible passengers, while proposed reductions in compensation amounts could cut payouts by up to 67%.
They also caution that expanding the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” could further limit eligibility.
Consumer groups insist that strikes by airline staff should not be classified as extraordinary events, since they are part of airline operations.
They also highlight widespread confusion among passengers about how to claim compensation, noting that only about 38% of eligible travelers actually receive compensation.
To address this, they are calling for automatic, pre-filled compensation forms and stronger transparency obligations for airlines.
At the same time, they criticize additional airline charges, such as fees for hand luggage, seat selection for families, and boarding pass printing, arguing these practices reduce price transparency and should be banned at the EU level.
They also warn about “no-show” clauses that can force passengers to repurchase tickets, sometimes at significant additional cost.
Finally, consumer organizations are calling for stronger protections for passengers with disabilities, reduced mobility, and young children.
