europese parlement stelt passagiers sterker tegenover luchtvaartmaatschappijen
Brussel, woensdag, 4 februari 2026.
het europees parlement heeft een besliste stap gezet om de rechten van vliegtuigpassagiers te versterken. passagiers hebben recht op compensatie bij vertragingen van meer dan drie uur. de regels behouden hun kracht ondanks druk om ze te verzachten. er komt een standaardformulier waarmee claimen makkelijker worden. reizigers krijgen ook gratis handbagage bij instap. families en begeleiders van personen met beperkte mobiliteit moeten naast elkaar zitten zonder toeslag. fouten in namen worden kosteloos gecorrigeerd. de maatregelen richten zich op eerlijkheid en transparantie ten opzichte van de reiziger. het voorstel keert terug naar de raad voor verdere behandeling.
belgium takes center stage in air passenger rights debate
The developments took place in Belgium, specifically during parliamentary sessions in Brussels. The European Parliament convened to address growing concerns over airline accountability and traveler protections. Lawmakers voiced strong support for maintaining robust passenger rights amid pressure to relax existing rules. The session highlighted the institution’s role in shaping EU-wide policies that directly affect millions of travelers annually [1]. Discussions centered on enforcement mechanisms and practical improvements for air travelers facing disruptions [2].
three-hour delay rule preserved despite opposition
Members of the European Parliament rejected attempts by EU ministers to weaken compensation rules for delayed flights. They reaffirmed that passengers are entitled to financial compensation when flights are delayed by three hours or more. The amount ranges from €300 to €600 depending on the flight distance [3]. This position maintains the core principle of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, which governs air passenger rights across the bloc [4]. The stance underscores ongoing legislative efforts to hold carriers accountable regardless of operational excuses [2].
free hand baggage and simplified claims process introduced
Under the new recommendations, airlines must allow one personal item and a small carry-on bag free of charge, weighing up to seven kilograms. This aims to eliminate hidden fees associated with basic cabin storage. Passengers will also benefit from pre-filled claim forms to streamline compensation processes [2]. These forms reduce administrative hurdles when seeking redress for disrupted journeys [3]. The measure targets widespread consumer frustration with complex and opaque refund procedures imposed by some carriers [5].
special provisions for vulnerable travelers strengthened
The updated framework ensures that individuals traveling with minors or persons with reduced mobility are seated together at no additional cost. Airlines failing to provide adequate assistance to disabled passengers will face liability if such individuals miss connecting flights due to negligence [2]. Additional safeguards include free corrections of minor booking errors, such as spelling mistakes in names [3]. These provisions aim to enhance accessibility and fairness in air travel for all demographics, particularly those dependent on support services [5].
next steps involve council negotiations and implementation
The proposal will return to the Council of the European Union for further discussion and negotiation. Final adoption requires agreement between the Parliament and the Council on all points [2]. While these measures are not yet binding law, they signal a firm political commitment to strengthening consumer rights in aviation [3]. National governments will need to align with the eventual directive, affecting major hubs including Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle [1].