New EU air passenger rights: what will change later?

The EU has adopted its revision of air passenger rights. Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 was published on 2 October 2026. The new rules will apply from 23 October 2027; until then, existing rights remain relevant.

Adoption and application are different steps

Following the conciliation agreement on 15 June, Parliament approved the text on 7 July and the Council gave final approval on 13 July. It was signed on 16 September. Article 3 provides for entry into force on the twentieth day after publication and application from 23 October 2027. These are different steps: on 5 October 2026, you cannot yet invoke the new rights.

Compensation for long delays

The new text provides for compensation when arrival is delayed by more than three hours. Under the current rules, case law establishes a threshold of at least three hours; that current threshold still applies to your flight today. Amounts remain €250 for journeys up to 1,500 km, €400 for longer journeys within the EU and other journeys up to 3,500 km, and €600 for the remaining journeys. Payment is not automatic for every delay: exceptions and possible reductions still matter. When invoking extraordinary circumstances, an airline must establish the connection with the disruption and the reasonable measures it took.

Alternative transport after disruption

The adopted text makes rerouting more specific. If you choose to continue your journey and the airline offers no alternative under comparable transport conditions within three hours, you may arrange your own transport under certain conditions. Inform the airline and keep expenses necessary, reasonable and appropriate. Reimbursement is capped at 400% of the full ticket price and any intermediation fees. For a cancellation, the clock starts at the original departure time on your ticket.

Cabin bags and other practical rights

A small personal item must be allowed without an extra charge. The fare displayed by default must also include an additional piece of hand baggage, subject to cabin capacity. You may voluntarily choose a cheaper fare without that additional bag. There will be no uniform EU size or weight for it. Our cabin baggage explainer covers this in more detail.

The text also clarifies boarding passes, information and family rights. Missing the outbound flight alone may no longer justify refusing the return flight on the same ticket or charging a fee to board it.

Which journeys are covered?

The departure point and operating airline matter, rather than your nationality. The main rule covers departures from the EU with any airline and flights from a third country to the EU with an EU airline, subject to an exception for equivalent compensation and assistance in that third country. Frequent flyer reward tickets are also covered. Connections, certain free tickets and package holidays have additional provisions.

When problems arise, retain your ticket, boarding pass, arrival time, correspondence and receipts. For a flight today, request your current rights; do not rely on the future new provisions yet.