The European Council has reached an agreement to allow airlines more leeway before they must compensate passengers for flight delays.
Under the new system, compensation for short-haul flights (under 3 500km or within the EU) will only be triggered after a four-hour delay, up from the current three hours. Compensation for long-haul flights will apply after a six-hour delay.
Compensation amounts will also change:
- Short-haul payouts will increase from €250 (R5 062) to €300 (R6 074).
- Long-haul compensation will decrease from €600 (R12 154) to €500 (R10 121).
The move is intended to balance the interests of airlines and passengers, with EU leaders hoping it will reduce the number of outright flight cancellations.
The European Parliament will now examine the EU Council's position and has the option to approve, amend or reject the proposal.
