On 7 July 2026, the European Parliament approved the joint text amending EU rules on air passenger rights, clearing the way for final adoption by the Council. The revised regulation, which updates Regulations 261/2004 and 2027/97, will now be formally adopted by the Council at a forthcoming meeting before being signed into law.
The Parliament's vote under Article 294(13) TFEU followed a conciliation process that began after the Council had not approved Parliament's second-reading amendments on 24 March 2026. The Conciliation Committee met on 20 April and 2 June 2026, and its co-Chairs confirmed approval of a joint text on 15 June 2026. The Parliament's approval on 7 July 2026 marks the final legislative step before Council adoption.
Once the Council approves the joint text, the President of the European Parliament and the President of the Council will sign the act, and it will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The legislative resolution instructs Parliament's President and Secretary-General to sign and arrange publication.
The revised regulation aims to strengthen passenger rights, including clearer rules on compensation for denied boarding, cancellations, and long delays, as well as updated liability rules for air carriers regarding passengers and their baggage. The new rules are expected to benefit passengers by providing more predictable and enforceable rights, while airlines will need to adapt to updated compliance requirements.
Passengers will gain stronger protections and clearer compensation procedures, potentially increasing claims. Airlines face higher administrative and financial obligations, particularly for reimbursement and re-routing. National enforcement bodies will need to implement and monitor the new rules, requiring additional resources. The European Commission will oversee implementation and may issue further guidance.