EU Air Passenger Rights Reform 2026: What Changes — and What (Not Yet)

On 15 June 2026, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement to reform the air passenger rights Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. The headlines speak of a "landmark strengthening" of passenger rights — but what does that actually mean, and from when? This guide separates fact from speculation: what stays, what is new, and what you should do for your flight today.

What stays unchanged?

The key cornerstones of EU261 remain in place after the agreement — this is the central message for passengers who feel uncertain right now:

• The 3-hour threshold stays. Compensation remains due for an arrival delay of more than 3 hours at the final destination, or for a cancellation notified less than 14 days before departure.
• The amounts remain unchanged: €250 (up to 1,500 km), €400 (flights within the EU or 1,500–3,500 km) and €600 (all other flights). No inflation adjustment of the amounts is part of the agreement.
• The scope stays the same. Covered are still all flights departing from an EU airport (regardless of the airline) as well as flights into the EU operated by an EU airline. Non-EU airlines on flights into the EU remain excluded.

What is new? (future, after entry into force)

The following points are part of the agreement but only apply once the reform enters into force — today they have no legal effect yet:

• Proactive duty to inform within 96 hours: In future, the airline must inform passengers electronically about their rights and how to claim within 96 hours of arrival.
• 14-day deadline for the airline: In future, the airline must immediately acknowledge receipt of a claim and, within 14 days, either pay or give reasons for a rejection.
• List of extraordinary circumstances: The new text includes a non-exhaustive list of so-called "extraordinary circumstances". The burden of proof remains with the airline.
• Transparency & further rights: The price for cabin baggage must in future be shown by default before booking; a ban on the no-show clause and stronger rights for families and persons with reduced mobility (PRM) are foreseen.

When does the reform apply?

Important: so far this is a provisional agreement. It still has to be formally adopted by the Council and Parliament. After that, it only applies 12 months after its entry into force — so realistically not before 2027, more likely 2027/2028. Until then, today's legal situation applies in full and unchanged.

You can find the official Council press release here: Council and Parliament reach agreement on stronger EU air passenger rights.

What does this mean for you now?

For any flight that is delayed or cancelled today, the familiar rules apply: from 3 hours delay at your destination or for a cancellation, you can claim €250 to €600. You do not need to wait for the reform — on the contrary, claims expire (in Germany after 3 years). If you have a valid claim, you should pursue it now.

Airline not responding or rejecting your claim? Unfortunately that is common — and no reason to give up. A rejection is typically followed by an escalation letter with a deadline, then the dispute resolution body. Do not let a first rejection put you off: a well-reasoned follow-up is often the decisive step.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Does the reform already apply to my current flight?

No. The reform is a provisional agreement and is expected to take effect only in 2027. For your flight today, the familiar EU261 rules apply unchanged.

Are the compensation amounts changing?

No. The amounts of €250, €400 and €600 remain unchanged after the agreement. No inflation adjustment is planned.

Does the 3-hour rule remain in place?

Yes. The 3-hour threshold for compensation in case of an arrival delay remains.

Legal notice: This article is for general information and does not constitute legal advice. It is based on the public press release of the Council of the EU dated 15 June 2026. The final regulation text may differ in detail.