Changes Ahead: EU to Cut Compensation for Delayed Flights

If you’ve ever claimed compensation for a delayed flight in Europe, you’ve benefited from some of the strongest air passenger rights in the world. But that may soon change.

EU governments have agreed to raise the minimum delay time before passengers are entitled to cash compensation for delayed flights. This means you could wait longer before getting any money back if your flight is late.

The proposed changes come after heavy lobbying from airlines, who say current rules are too generous and hard to meet, especially for budget carriers.

The new rules aren't final yet: the European Parliament has four months to object or suggest changes. If they don’t, the rules will go into effect later (but not this summer—so no change yet for holiday travellers).

Key Changes You Need to Know

1. Longer delays before you're paid

Currently, you can get €250–€600 if your flight is delayed by three hours or more (and it's the airline’s fault).

Under the proposed changes:

• Shorter flights (under 3,500 km): Compensation only after a 4-hour delay
• Longer flights (over 3,500 km): Compensation only after a 6-hour delay
  

2. Lower compensation amounts

• €300 for delays over 4 hours
• €500 for delays over 6 hours (for long-haul flights)
  

3. Easier claim process
In return, airlines must make it simpler to claim compensation, instead of pushing passengers toward vouchers or confusing forms.

What’s Staying the Same?

• You still get food, hotel stays, or rerouting if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
• No compensation if the delay is due to “extraordinary circumstances” (like storms, political unrest, or air traffic issues).
• Strikes, staff shortages, or technical problems generally still qualify for compensation.
• The rules apply to EU-based airlines or any flight leaving from the EU or the Schengen area.
• UK rules are mostly the same, even after Brexit.
  

When Will This Take Effect?

The European Parliament has until around October 2025 to respond. If no objections are raised, a start date will be confirmed. So, for now, summer 2025 travel is still protected under the current rules.

If these changes go ahead, you’ll have to wait longer for cash compensation on delayed flights, but claiming that money should be less of a headache. Stay tuned to see if the European Parliament pushes back.

Have you ever tried to get compensation for a delayed flight? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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Charlie

Travel and Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager at IaM (Immigration and Migration)

Charlie is IaM’s resident Travel & Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager. They craft clear, engaging guides that demystify complex visa and migration rules - and then personally supports each client through every step of their journey.

Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".

When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.

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