Better enforcement of passenger rights in the EU
On Tuesday, Parliament is expected to give its final green light to updated EU rules to improve the protection and information passengers receive if travel is disrupted.
The new law, agreed with the Council in June 2026, clarifies the rules on reimbursement in the case of cancellations when flights are booked via an intermediary. Passengers are entitled to receive full reimbursement, including of any intermediation fee, and intermediaries will be required to inform passengers at the time of booking about the applicable reimbursement arrangements.
Standardised forms for reimbursement and compensation claims will be made available in all languages for all types of travel, to make it easier for passengers to exercise their rights.
The legislation also strengthens the rights of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility by allowing an accompanying person to travel on a flight with them free of charge if their presence is necessary.
Background
In 2023, the Commission presented an update of the EU rules governing the rights of passengers when travelling by air, rail, sea, inland waterway, bus or coach, as part of the passenger mobility package. Parliament adopted a specific upgrade of air passenger rights earlier in 2026.
Around 13 billion passengers who travel by airplane, train, coach, bus or ferry in the EU every year are covered by EU passenger rights. This figure is expected to reach 15 billion by 2030 and almost 20 billion by 2050.
Procedure file: 2023/0437(COD)
Procedure: ordinary legislative procedure, first reading agreement
Vote: Tuesday 20 October
Press conference: Tuesday 20 October, 14.00 CEST, with the rapporteur Matteo Ricci (S&D, IT)