By Evaldas Labanauskas, LRT.lt.
The European Parliament on Tuesday gave final approval to a sweeping overhaul of European Union air passenger rights, introducing stronger consumer protections while limiting some airline fees beginning in the second half of 2027.
Lawmakers approved the revised rules by a vote of 646-12, with three abstentions. The EU Council is expected to formally adopt the regulation before it enters into force.
The changes update passenger rights that have been in place since 2004 following negotiations that lasted 13 years.
Under the new rules, passengers will retain the right to compensation for flights delayed by more than three hours or cancelled at short notice. Compensation will remain at 250 euros for flights of up to 1,500 kilometres, 400 euros for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres, and 600 euros for longer flights.
Airlines will be required to inform passengers within four days of a disrupted flight about how to submit a compensation claim. Passengers will have nine months to file claims, while airlines will have 30 days to pay compensation or explain why an exemption applies.
Read more: LRT.LT
