Potential Revisions to EU Flight Compensation Regulations
Proposed changes could significantly reduce passenger compensation rights amid ongoing discussions among EU member states.
European Union member states are currently deliberating a proposal from the European Commission that could lead to significant changes in the compensation rights of air passengers affected by flight delays.
Under existing regulations established by the European Flight Compensation Regulation (EC 261) of 2004, passengers are entitled to financial compensation if their flight is delayed by more than three hours, with compensation amounts ranging from €250 to €600 depending on the distance of the flight.
The new proposal seeks to raise the threshold for compensation claims to delays of five to twelve hours, again dependent on flight distance.
Consumer advocates have reported that if this change is enacted, approximately 80% of current compensation claims may be eliminated.
Criticism has arisen from various quarters, including from Stefanie Hubig, the Federal Minister of Justice in Germany.
She has expressed strong opposition to the proposed amendments, stating that consumer rights should not be viewed as a luxury during economically challenging times.
Hubig has committed to advocating for continued compensation rights for flight delays starting at three hours.
Karolina Wojtal, co-leader of the European Consumer Centre Germany (EVZ), has labeled the potential revisions a significant regression.
Wojtal noted that the majority of flight delays occur within the two to four-hour range, and she cautioned that airlines might be incentivized to intentionally delay flights rather than cancel them to avoid compensation obligations.
In contrast, the airline lobby group Airlines for Europe (A4E) supports the proposal to extend the delay thresholds.
A4E argues that longer time frames are necessary for airlines to find alternative aircraft or crew in cases of operational disruptions, positing that this would ultimately benefit passengers by enabling airlines to restore flight schedules more effectively.
The proposed reform is still under consideration, and it remains uncertain how member states will respond to the Commission's suggestions or what adjustments may be considered.
A final compromise must also be achieved with the European Parliament before any changes can be implemented.
The outcomes of these negotiations will determine the future landscape of flight compensation regulations in the EU.
Under existing regulations established by the European Flight Compensation Regulation (EC 261) of 2004, passengers are entitled to financial compensation if their flight is delayed by more than three hours, with compensation amounts ranging from €250 to €600 depending on the distance of the flight.
The new proposal seeks to raise the threshold for compensation claims to delays of five to twelve hours, again dependent on flight distance.
Consumer advocates have reported that if this change is enacted, approximately 80% of current compensation claims may be eliminated.
Criticism has arisen from various quarters, including from Stefanie Hubig, the Federal Minister of Justice in Germany.
She has expressed strong opposition to the proposed amendments, stating that consumer rights should not be viewed as a luxury during economically challenging times.
Hubig has committed to advocating for continued compensation rights for flight delays starting at three hours.
Karolina Wojtal, co-leader of the European Consumer Centre Germany (EVZ), has labeled the potential revisions a significant regression.
Wojtal noted that the majority of flight delays occur within the two to four-hour range, and she cautioned that airlines might be incentivized to intentionally delay flights rather than cancel them to avoid compensation obligations.
In contrast, the airline lobby group Airlines for Europe (A4E) supports the proposal to extend the delay thresholds.
A4E argues that longer time frames are necessary for airlines to find alternative aircraft or crew in cases of operational disruptions, positing that this would ultimately benefit passengers by enabling airlines to restore flight schedules more effectively.
The proposed reform is still under consideration, and it remains uncertain how member states will respond to the Commission's suggestions or what adjustments may be considered.
A final compromise must also be achieved with the European Parliament before any changes can be implemented.
The outcomes of these negotiations will determine the future landscape of flight compensation regulations in the EU.
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