Tussle Over Flight Delay Compensation in the EU: A Closer Look
European Nations Remain Divided on Amending Air Traveler Protections - No consensus among EU nations regarding dilution of air traveler protections
The EU Commission has tabled proposals from 2013, aiming to hike the compensation threshold for delayed flights. The current standard is a three-hour delay, with the suggested adjustment seeing fliers only entitled to a flat payment beyond five hours for short-haul flights and twelve hours for long-haul journeys.
In opposition to this, Germany, together with other states, advocates for preserving the three-hour threshold and proposes a flat compensation of €300. Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder (CDU) commented, "We believe this is a balanced stance." Presently, compensation payments depend on the flight distance, with amounts ranging from €250 to €600.
Currently, Poland, holding the presidency of the Council of EU countries, has put forward a compromise proposal. This plan suggests a threshold of three, four, or six hours based on flight distance. Unfortunately, no majority has been reached for any of the proposals as of Thursday morning. Negotiations among transport ministers continue, with Poland scheduling another debate for the afternoon.
Several countries have voiced their desire for further discussions, including France, Greece, and Sweden. Greek Minister of Transport Christos Dimas emphasized, "We believe it's absolutely necessary to reach an agreement today." After twelve years since the Commission's proposals, the reform must move forward.
If the EU countries come to a consensus in Luxemburg, the Council will then initiate negotiations with the European Parliament. These discussions are not likely to begin earlier than the fall.
- Related to: EU, Germany, Passenger Rights, Weakening, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia, EU Commission, Luxemburg
Insights from Enrichment Data:
- The revised rules aim to offer over 30 new rights for passengers, including the right to be rerouted and assistance during disruptions.
- The compensatory threshold for short-haul flights has been increased to four hours with a delay of six hours or more triggering a €500 payment for long-haul flights over 3,500 km.
- Airlines have expressed dissatisfaction, citing increased complexity, while consumer groups have criticized the changes for eroding key rights, particularly concerning compensation eligibility.
- The agreement is subject to review by the European Parliament, which has the authority to approve, amend, or reject it.
- The EU Commission's proposed adjustment to the flight delay compensation policy in EC countries, which aims to adjust the compensation threshold for delayed flights, is facing opposition from Germany and other states, who advocate for preserving the three-hour threshold and propose a flat compensation of €300.
- As negotiations continue among transport ministers, Poland has put forward a compromise proposal, suggesting a threshold of three, four, or six hours based on flight distance, as part of an ongoing debate in the realm of politics and general news related to the EU, passenger rights, and the reform of the competition policy.
