EU parliament approves new passenger rights rules

The European Parliament has approved new rules to strengthen passenger rights across the European Union, simplifying refund claims, introducing standardised procedures and tightening reimbursement requirements for disrupted journeys.

The European Parliament has approved new rules to strengthen passenger rights across the European Union, simplifying refund claims, introducing standardised procedures and tightening reimbursement requirements for disrupted journeys.

The regulation was approved by 652 votes to two, with eight abstentions.

“We are prioritising the rights of our citizens over the profits of airlines,” said Italian Socialist Matteo Ricci, the member of the European Parliament responsible for the regulation.

Under the new rules, passengers will be able to use a common EU form to claim refunds for disrupted journeys across different modes of transport, including air, rail, bus and ferry services. The form will be available in all EU languages on the European Commission’s website.

For flights booked through travel agents or online booking platforms, airlines and intermediaries will be subject to clearer reimbursement obligations. Refunds must be paid within a maximum of 14 days, with intermediaries required to transfer the money to passengers within seven days of receiving it from the airline.

If an intermediary fails to reimburse a passenger within the required period, the airline must step in and make the payment, according to the reported rules.

The regulation also strengthens protections for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. Where an airline requires a passenger to travel with a companion for safety reasons, that companion must be carried free of charge.

The rules are intended to make it easier for passengers to exercise their rights and to strengthen enforcement by national consumer protection authorities.

The regulation is scheduled to apply from October 23, 2027, according to the draft report. The implementation date should be confirmed against the final legislation before publication.