Passengers facing flight delays exceeding four hours on journeys shorter than 3,500 kilometers are entitled to 300 euros, as per diplomatic sources. For delays over six hours on longer flights, compensation rises to 500 euros.
Under existing European legislation, compensation begins at three hours of delay if the airline does not comply. This is set at 250 euros for flights up to 1,500 kilometers, 400 euros for flights up to 3,500 kilometers, and 600 euros for long-haul flights exceeding 3,500 kilometers.
Germany aimed to keep the three-hour delay standard, but after extensive discussions in Luxembourg, a qualified majority of member states agreed on the four-hour limit. Belgium also supported the three-hour standard but showed readiness to accept the compromise if it included automatic compensation.
Belgian Minister Jean-Luc Crucke called it “an important step” forward. Diplomatic sources indicate that an automatic compensation form will be available for passengers whose flights are canceled. The European Commission will evaluate the impact of automatic compensation for delays.
The Commission proposed an update to these rules back in 2013, but member states have since failed to reach an agreement. Ministers had not discussed the issue since 2020. However, with Poland currently heading the European councils, a breakthrough was achieved on Thursday. A final compromise with the European Parliament still needs to be established.
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