EU transport ministers agree on rights of air passengers

The EU Transport Council reached a political agreement on amending the regulations on air passenger rights on 5 June 2025. 

The regulation lays down the rules on compensation and assistance to air passengers in the event of denied boarding, flight cancellation or long delays of flights. Finland has been in favour of reforming the regulation because its application has been problematic due to varying interpretations. Another regulation to be amended concerns the liability of air carriers in the event of disruptions.

Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne represented Finland at the meeting.

“I would like to thank the Polish Presidency for its tenacity that made it possible to reach an agreement on the matter, which has been negotiated for as long as 12 years. The protection of air passengers will improve when their rights are clear and unambiguous. The burden on airlines has also been taken into account very well,” says Minister Ranne.

The ministers reached an agreement on a flat-rate compensation in the event of disruptions. If the flight is delayed, the passenger will be compensated for the inconvenience caused by the loss of time. The flat-rate compensation is based on the flight distance. If the delay is four hours or more in the case of flights of 3,500 kilometres or less and intra-Community flights, the flat-rate compensation is EUR 300. If the delay is six hours or more in the case of flights of 3,500 kilometres or more, the flat-rate compensation is EUR 500.

The rules concerning assistance will be updated, and there will also be new rights for passengers. In the event of disruptions, passengers would have the right to refreshments, meals and accommodation. If the air carrier does not provide these, the passengers could make their own arrangements and receive compensation for them later. 

If the passengers have to wait onboard the aircraft on the tarmac, they will have a right to disembark after three hours.

What’s next?

Negotiations on the regulation will continue. Next, the matter will be discussed in the European Parliament.

Inquiries:

Johanna Isoaho, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Justice, tel. +358 295 150 297, johanna.isoaho@gov.fi