**Air Travellers Set for Clearer Rights Under Cyprus-Led EU Deal**
Cyprus transport minister Alexis Vafeades announced on Wednesday that a significant European agreement aimed at enhancing air passenger rights is projected to take effect in early July 2027. This announcement follows the agreement's approval by the European Parliament and the Council, marking a milestone in passenger rights reform that has been in discussion for over a decade.
During a briefing after the Council of Ministers meeting, Vafeades highlighted the importance of the agreement, which was reached in Strasbourg during Cyprus's presidency of the Council of the European Union. He noted that the reform updates existing regulations that have remained largely unchanged for approximately 13 years, aiming to clarify passenger rights concerning flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding.
"This is a great success for all passengers throughout Europe, for a regulation that had not progressed for about 13 years," Vafeades stated. He emphasized that the new regulations would simplify the process for passengers to understand their rights and claim compensation when necessary. Additionally, the reform introduces specific provisions for families and vulnerable travelers, ensuring that parents can sit next to their children under the age of 14 without incurring additional fees. Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility will also benefit from enhanced protections under the new rules.
The transport minister underscored the significance of the agreement for Cyprus, where air connectivity plays a vital role in travel, tourism, business, and the broader economy. "We believe that overall, in addition to transparency, it also offers reliability in transport," he remarked, adding that improved reliability would enhance connectivity, a critical issue for the island nation.
Vafeades described the agreement as a measure that would "radically and substantially upgrade the everyday life of all passengers." He reported that during the conciliation process, 85 percent of member states voted in favor of the agreement, with a unanimous vote of support from representatives of the European Parliament. The next steps involve formal approval from both legislative bodies after a legal-linguistic review of the text.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola expressed optimism about the reform, stating that it would strengthen air passenger rights and make them easier to enforce. European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas also described the outcome as beneficial for both passengers and airlines.
Under the terms of the agreement, passengers will retain the right to reimbursement or re-routing in the event of cancellations, as well as compensation for long delays, cancellations on short notice, or denied boarding. The claims process is set to be simplified, allowing passengers nine months to submit claims, while airlines will be required to either pay compensation or provide an explanation for any refusal within 30 days.
The agreement further clarifies the duties of care that airlines must provide in cases of disruption, including provisions for refreshments, meals, and, when necessary, accommodation. Additionally, it aims to enhance transparency regarding hand luggage and ticket prices, mandating that fares be clearly displayed from the outset of the booking process.
As the European Parliament and the Council prepare to vote separately on the joint text, the anticipated implementation of these reforms in July 2027 is seen as a significant step forward in protecting air passenger rights across Europe.