EU Air Passenger Rights Revision Stuck in Conciliation Committee

Negotiations between the European Parliament and EU member states have stalled over updating air passenger rights, forcing the convening of a Conciliation Committee for the first time in 13 years. The deadlock stems from disagreements on compensation levels and conditions for flight delays, cancellations, and overbooking. While current EU regulations offer significant consumer protection, including compensation up to 600 euros, airlines have long sought a better balance. Proposals to delay compensation eligibility to five hours of delay were met with criticism for favoring the sector. The Parliament, conversely, advocates for maintaining current rights, including compensation from three hours of delay and free checked baggage. Member states only recently agreed on a compromise of four hours for short flights and six for longer ones, a position still unacceptable to the Parliament. This technical dispute over flight hours and compensation amounts has evolved into a significant political battle, highlighting the complex interplay between consumer rights and the aviation industry's economic interests.