On 8 July 2026, the Council of the European Union is scheduled to adopt the final version of the revised Regulation on air passenger rights and carrier liability, based on the joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee. Spain and Latvia are expected to vote against, while Austria and Finland will abstain. The adoption will conclude a legislative process that began with the Commission's original proposal on 13 March 2013.
The revised regulation updates the existing rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding, cancellation, or long delay of flights, as well as air carrier liability for passengers and their baggage. The European Parliament adopted its first-reading position on 5 February 2014, and the Council adopted its first-reading position on 29 September 2025. The Parliament then adopted 243 amendments to that position on 21 January 2026, which the Council did not approve on 24 March 2026, triggering the Conciliation Committee. The Committee met on 20 April and 2 June 2026, approving a joint text on 15 June 2026. The European Parliament is expected to adopt its third-reading position on 7 July 2026.
The regulation will have significant impacts on stakeholders. For air passengers, it strengthens compensation rights and clarifies rules for re-routing and refunds, particularly in cases of extraordinary circumstances. Airlines face new compliance costs, including higher compensation caps and stricter obligations for assistance during delays. National enforcement bodies will need to adapt oversight mechanisms, potentially increasing administrative burdens. The travel insurance and legal services sectors may see increased demand as passengers exercise enhanced rights. The regulation balances consumer protection with operational feasibility for carriers, though the dissenting votes from Spain and Latvia indicate concerns over disproportionate costs for certain airlines or regional impacts.