Passengers whose flights are cancelled could soon claim compensation worth up to four times the original ticket price under a new EU regulation. The landmark agreement between the EU Council and the European Parliament introduces stronger rights for travellers facing disruptions.
New Compensation Rules
Under the updated rules, if an airline fails to offer rerouting within three hours of a cancellation, passengers may arrange their own alternative travel and claim reimbursement of up to 400% of the original ticket cost. This change empowers travellers to take immediate action rather than waiting for the airline to provide a solution.
AirAdvisor, a specialist in disrupted flight claims, confirmed that the rerouting reimbursement is separate from standard cancellation compensation. Passengers could potentially recover both the cost of replacement flights and standard compensation, which can reach £350 for short-haul flights, depending on the circumstances.
Who Is Covered?
Despite Brexit, British travellers are still protected under EU rules for flights operated by EU airlines departing from or arriving at EU airports. For example, a Ryanair flight from Malaga to the UK is covered, but a British Airways flight from London to Madrid is not, as it is a non-EU carrier on a UK-EU route.
The UK maintains its own UK261 framework, which includes the Right to Care for delays over two hours. It remains unclear whether UK legislation will be updated to match the EU changes.
Expert Advice
Anton Radchenko, aviation lawyer and CEO of AirAdvisor, emphasised the significance of the reform: “For passengers genuinely in trouble, this change matters. A reimbursement cap of up to four times the ticket price could make a real difference for families forced to buy last-minute flights home.”
He urged travellers to document everything: “Keep your original booking, cancellation notice, evidence of what the airline offered, and all receipts for self-arranged travel. Successful claims rely on thorough documentation.”
The new rules aim to give passengers more control and financial protection during travel disruptions, holding airlines accountable for timely rerouting or fair compensation.
