Newsroom
If you’re heading off on holiday this summer, hoping your flight goes smoothly, here’s something to keep in mind: the EU just agreed on new rules that cut the amount airlines have to pay passengers when flights are delayed.
After more than a decade of debate, transport ministers from across the EU, including Cyprus, finally struck a political deal in Luxembourg on Tuesday to revise the rules that protect air travelers. The regulation, known as EU261, has been around since 2005 and has long forced airlines to compensate passengers up to €600 for long delays. But that’s about to change.
What’s changing?
Under the new agreement, passengers will only be entitled to compensation if their flight is delayed by four hours or more for journeys under 3,500 km. That covers most European flights, including popular routes to and from Cyprus. And instead of €600, the payout will be capped at €300. For longer flights, you’d need to land six hours late to get compensation, which would be capped at €500. That’s a big drop from the current three-hour rule.
So, if you're flying from London to Larnaca and your flight is three and a half hours late, no compensation. Under the old rules? You would’ve been entitled to up to €400.
Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Slovenia were against the changes, but a majority of EU countries, including Cyprus, supported the deal pushed forward by Poland, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council.
More rights, but less money
Polish Transport Minister Dariusz Klimczak called it a “historic milestone,” saying the new rules offer more than 30 passenger rights, from the moment you book a ticket to even after you land. But critics say that while the rules might be clearer, the reduced compensation is a win for airlines, not travelers.
Cyprus, a country that sees millions of air travelers pass through every year, especially in summer, is no stranger to flight delays. Tourists flying into Paphos or Larnaca and locals heading abroad for holidays will be directly affected by these changes.
Not a done deal just yet
This agreement isn’t final. The European Parliament now has four months to approve or reject it, and they might push back. Back in 2014, MEPs tried to protect the three-hour rule but failed. Still, with a new Parliament taking shape after the June elections, it’s unclear how they’ll vote this time.
European Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas called the agreement “a start” but warned there’s still a long road ahead.
In short:
- Fewer delays will qualify for payouts
- Compensation amounts will be lower
- The final decision lies with the European Parliament
So as you pack your bags this summer, don’t forget the sunscreen and maybe a little extra patience at the gate.
