On 15 July 2026, the Council's Permanent Representatives Committee endorsed a final compromise text for a Regulation amending five existing EU passenger rights laws to strengthen enforcement across air, rail, sea/inland waterway, bus/coach, and disabled persons' air travel. The text, transmitted to the European Parliament's Transport Committee on 17 July 2026, introduces new rules on reimbursement via intermediaries, enhanced powers for National Enforcement Bodies (NEBs), and stronger protections for persons with disabilities.
The Regulation amends (EC) No 261/2004 (air), (EC) No 1107/2006 (disabled air passengers), (EU) No 1177/2010 (sea/inland waterway), (EU) No 181/2011 (bus/coach), and (EU) 2021/782 (rail). For air tickets booked through intermediaries, passengers must be reimbursed the full price including any intermediation fee if a disruption triggers reimbursement rights. Micro-enterprise intermediaries may opt out of reimbursing the full fee, provided they inform the passenger at the start of booking. Reimbursement via a 'Merchant of Record' intermediary requires the air carrier to pay the intermediary within 7 days, and the intermediary to pay the passenger within a further 7 days (14 days total). If not paid within 14 days, the passenger can claim directly from the operating air carrier.
NEBs must have powers to conduct audits, inspections, and interviews to deter infringements effectively. A standard EU-wide form for requesting reimbursement or compensation will be established; passengers may also submit requests by telephone or post. Persons with disabilities or reduced mobility may travel with an accompanying person free of charge, seated next to them, if the air carrier requires assistance but cannot provide it. A European Disability Card (Directive (EU) 2024/2841) may serve as proof of disability status. If a recognised assistance dog is permitted on an outbound flight, it shall be regarded as recognised for the entire journey, including the return flight.
Policy orientations and trade-offs The compromise balances stronger consumer protection with flexibility for small intermediaries. The opt-out for micro-enterprises reduces administrative burden but may leave some passengers without full fee reimbursement. The 14-day reimbursement chain for intermediary bookings aims to speed up payments but adds complexity for carriers and intermediaries. Enhanced NEB powers improve enforcement but may increase regulatory costs for transport operators. Mutual recognition of assistance dogs simplifies travel for persons with disabilities but requires carriers to accept foreign certifications.
Impact on stakeholders - Passengers: Gain clearer reimbursement rules, a standard claim form, and stronger enforcement. Persons with disabilities benefit from free accompanying persons and mutual recognition of assistance dogs. However, passengers using micro-enterprise intermediaries may not recover full intermediation fees. - Air carriers: Face tighter deadlines (7 days to pay intermediaries) and potential direct claims if intermediaries fail. Must accommodate accompanying persons and recognise assistance dogs for entire journeys. - Intermediaries (travel agents, online platforms): Must handle reimbursement within 7 days; micro-enterprises may opt out but must disclose this upfront. Larger intermediaries bear compliance costs. - National Enforcement Bodies: Required to adopt stronger enforcement powers, potentially increasing workload and resource needs.
Institutional follow-up The compromise text now goes to the European Parliament for a vote in the TRAN Committee and plenary. If approved, the Council will formally adopt the Regulation, which will then enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal.