The Council of the European Union formally adopted on 13 July 2026 the legislative act amending Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 on air passenger rights and Regulation (EC) No 2027/97 on air carrier liability. The adoption took place at the 4190th Council meeting (Agriculture and Fisheries) in Brussels, following approval by Coreper, Part 1, on 8 July 2026. The revised rules affect all air passengers and carriers operating in the EU, updating compensation and assistance provisions for denied boarding, cancellations, and long delays, as well as carrier liability for passengers and baggage.
The adoption marks the final step in the legislative process, following negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council. The revised regulation aims to strengthen passenger protections while balancing operational realities for airlines. Key changes include updated compensation thresholds, clearer definitions of extraordinary circumstances, and enhanced assistance obligations during long delays. The text also harmonises rules across member states to reduce legal fragmentation.
Stakeholder impact is significant. Passengers stand to gain clearer rights and potentially higher compensation in certain scenarios, though some consumer groups may argue the changes do not go far enough. Airlines face new compliance costs, including updated procedures for handling claims and potential increases in payouts, but benefit from greater legal certainty and reduced litigation risks. National enforcement bodies will need to adapt oversight mechanisms, while travel insurers may see shifts in liability coverage. The regulation enters into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal, with member states required to transpose provisions within a set timeframe.
No prior coverage of this file exists in the last 180 days, making this adoption a fresh development in EU transport policy.