The European Union is proposing changes to the air passenger rights system that would make it harder to obtain compensation in cases of flight delays or cancellations. Under the new proposal, compensation will only be paid if the delay exceeds four hours on short flights and six hours on longer flights, a significant increase from the current three-hour threshold. Consumer organizations view this as a reduction in passenger rights and are urging the European Parliament to protect existing rights. The proposal also includes obligations for airlines to provide assistance to passengers during delays, which is a positive development. The European Parliament will review the proposal and decide whether to approve or reject it.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the reduction of passenger rights and criticize the EU Council’s proposal as a step backward for consumer protection. They highlight the negative impact on ordinary travelers who often face delays between two and four hours and call for the European Parliament to defend and strengthen passenger rights.
Center: Centrist sources present a balanced view, acknowledging both the improvements such as mandatory assistance from airlines during delays and the drawbacks like increased thresholds for compensation eligibility. They focus on the legislative process and the need for modernization of passenger rights while considering the interests of both consumers and airlines.
Right: Right-leaning sources tend to focus on the regulatory burden on airlines and the need for practical reforms. They may frame the changes as necessary to reduce frivolous claims and ensure that compensation is paid only in more severe cases of delay, emphasizing efficiency and the economic impact on the aviation industry.
