On 8 July 2026, the Council adopted the amended Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and (EC) No 2027/97 on air passenger rights, following a third reading. The new rules aim to provide more legal clarity, consolidate CJEU case-law, and increase effectiveness for passengers. France supported the compromise but entered a statement in the Council minutes expressing reservations about the lack of measures against abusive intermediaries.
France welcomed the overall compromise as a step forward for passenger rights. However, it regretted that proposals to better frame intermediary involvement in complaint handling were not accepted. France advocated for a direct carrier-passenger relationship, favouring compensation paid directly to the beneficiary to restrict abusive intermediary practices. Subject to these reservations, France supported the Regulation.
The adoption follows a lengthy legislative process. The European Parliament had approved its first reading position in February 2024, and the Council reached a general approach in June 2024. Trilogue negotiations concluded in early 2026, leading to the third reading adoption. The new rules will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal, with member states required to transpose them within two years.
The revised regulation strengthens passenger rights in cases of denied boarding, cancellation, or long delays. It clarifies rules on re-routing, care obligations, and compensation amounts. The impact on stakeholders is mixed: passengers gain clearer rights and faster compensation, but airlines face higher compliance costs and potential liability for intermediary actions. Intermediaries, such as online travel agencies, face no new direct obligations, which France criticised. National enforcement bodies will have stronger oversight powers, but may face increased administrative burden. The regulation does not address France's concern about intermediaries, leaving the carrier-passenger relationship unchanged for complaint handling.