EU flight-delay rules gain stronger consumer protections while keeping payouts intact
The EU is nearing final adoption of EC261 reforms that preserve current compensation levels (€250-€600) while adding consumer-friendly rules: airlines would have to proactively notify eligible passengers, provide a compensation-claim link within 48 hours of scheduled arrival, disclose the disruption cause (including extraordinary circumstances), and pay or justify refusals within 30 days. The changes are expected to win final approval by June 15, 2026, though industry groups warn costs could rise substantially and fares could follow.