The European Parliament has voted against the revision of the regulations on air passenger rights, which included increasing the flight delay threshold to qualify for compensation.
On January 21, 2026, MEPs voted 632 to 15 to maintain a passenger’s right to compensation for a three-hour delay and pushed back on several other suggestions they claim would “weaken air passenger rights”.
The vote was held after ministers for transport at the European Council published a new framework in June 2025 for changes to passengers’ rights.
Last year in its proposal the council said: “The new framework seeks to establish simpler and clearer rules for air passengers, while striking a better balance between a high level of protection for passengers and preserving connectivity and a level playing field for the aviation sector within the EU’s internal market.”
A key part of the council’s framework was that compensation only applies for delays of over four hours, depending on the flight distance, instead of the current three-hour threshold.
Ministers also want to set compensation between €300 and €500, while MEPs, who are against any decrease, voted for it to be set at €300 and €600.
Additionally, parliament wants to renew the list of extraordinary circumstances that would allow airlines to waive their responsibility to pay compensation.
With the responsibility of airlines limited to situations within their control, MEPs want the extraordinary circumstances list to be exhaustive and for it to be updated regularly.
“Parliament is ready to continue the fight for clearer and more predictable rules for airlines and a stronger aviation sector, but not at the expense of passengers. Our baseline is clear: we are determined to improve rather than dilute air passenger rights. We insist that reducing delays has significant overall benefits for Europe’s economy,” said Rapporteur Andrey Novakov.
He added: “Therefore, the three-hour threshold for compensation, the existing compensation levels, pre-filled forms and enforceable safeguards remain our red lines.”
Other requests MEPs voted in favor of:
- A pre-filled form for compensation and reimbursement from airlines.
- Passengers should be allowed one personal item plus one small piece of hand luggage for free.
- Adults accompanying under-14 children and travelers accompanying persons with reduced mobility should be allowed to sit with them at no extra cost.
Novakov said parliament wanted EU transport ministers to “reconsider their position” so a “mutually acceptable outcome” can be reached.
Under the second reading procedure, parliament’s position will be sent to the council. If the council does not accept all of parliament’s amendments, a so-called “Conciliation Committee” will be convened to find an agreement on the final shape of the bill.
