Millions of British and European travellers could soon lose their right to compensation for flight delays under controversial new proposals being considered by EU authorities.
The End of Automatic Payouts?
Current EU regulations, known as EU261, have protected passengers for nearly two decades, guaranteeing compensation of up to €600 for significant delays and cancellations. However, sweeping changes now being debated in Brussels could dramatically reduce airlines' liability for disruptions.
What's Changing for Travellers?
The most significant shift involves how "extraordinary circumstances" are defined. Under the new framework:
- Technical faults discovered during routine maintenance could be reclassified as extraordinary circumstances
- Manufacturing defects in aircraft components may exempt airlines from payouts
- Compensation thresholds could be raised, meaning fewer delays would qualify
Why Airlines Are Pushing for Change
Aviation industry leaders argue the current system is unsustainable. They claim:
- Compensation costs have become disproportionately high
- Technical issues beyond their control shouldn't incur penalties
- The system creates unnecessary friction with customers
"This represents a fundamental shift in how passenger rights are protected," explains aviation analyst Michael Roberts. "What was once a passenger-friendly system is becoming increasingly airline-focused."
What This Means for Your Next Flight
If these proposals become law, passengers could face:
- Reduced compensation for delays under 5 hours
- No automatic payouts for many technical-related cancellations
- Longer waiting times before compensation kicks in
- More responsibility on passengers to prove airline negligence
The British Perspective Post-Brexit
While the UK is no longer bound by EU regulations, British travellers flying with EU carriers would still be affected. Additionally, there are concerns that UK authorities might follow suit with similar changes to domestic passenger rights legislation.
The proposed changes are currently in consultation phase, with final decisions expected within the next 12 months. Consumer rights groups are mobilising opposition, warning that these reforms could set passenger protections back by decades.
