European air passengers may face challenges in receiving compensation for flight delays as the European Union considers updating regulations from 2004. The proposed changes could result in 85% of consumers being ineligible for compensation, according to the European Consumers’ Organisation (BEUC). The directive currently allows for compensation between €250 and €600 for delays of three hours or more, but discussions are considering increasing the time limit for compensation to five, nine, or twelve hours depending on the distance.
The update would affect any flight departing from an EU airport or arriving at an EU airport operated by an EU airline. Compensation is not applicable in cases of “extraordinary circumstances” such as extreme weather conditions or strikes.
Civil society is critical of the proposed timeframe for asserting passenger rights, arguing that three months is too short. On the other hand, airlines support the flexibility provided by the 2013 compromise proposal by the European Commission.
The discussions, based on the Commission’s 2013 proposal, aim to better manage disruptions and ensure passengers reach their destinations promptly. The need to review the role of travel intermediaries, who are not currently covered by the regulations, has also been highlighted.
Poland, holding the EU presidency, aims to make progress in negotiations before June. While discussions are ongoing at the technical level, they have not yet reached the political stage.
Source
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
