New EU flight compensation rules promise faster refunds, simpler claims and stronger passenger protection across Europe. However, despite the attention surrounding the latest reforms, travellers should be aware of an important distinction: the newly approved reimbursement measures will not apply until 23 October 2027.
The European Parliament approved legislation strengthening passenger rights on 20 October 2026, with 652 votes in favour, two against and eight abstentions.
According to AIRportal.hu, the changes will introduce standardised refund and compensation procedures, clarify the responsibilities of online booking platforms and improve assistance for passengers with disabilities.
The legislation is part of a broader European effort to make passenger rights easier to enforce across different forms of transport.
EU flight compensation rules: What is changing?
One of the most important developments is the introduction of standardised EU forms for reimbursement and compensation claims.
Instead of navigating different procedures for individual airlines or transport companies, passengers will be able to use common European forms available in all official EU languages.
The European Commission will make these forms accessible online, while transport operators will also be able to provide equivalent alternatives.
According to the European Commission, the legislation is intended to make passenger rights more transparent and improve their enforcement.
The changes will cover several transport sectors, although some requirements differ depending on the mode of transport.
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Flight refunds within 14 days
The reforms also address a common difficulty faced by air passengers: recovering money for tickets purchased through travel agencies or online booking platforms.
Under the new arrangements, passengers will generally be entitled to a full refund within 14 days when reimbursement is handled through an intermediary.
The process will involve two stages:
- First seven days: The airline transfers the refund to the intermediary.
- Following seven days: The intermediary returns the money to the passenger.
The reimbursement will generally include the original airfare and applicable intermediary fees, although limited exceptions may apply.
Booking platforms will also have to explain the relevant refund arrangements before a passenger completes a purchase.
The new rules are designed to prevent situations in which passengers struggle to determine whether the airline or booking platform is responsible for returning their money.
What compensation can passengers claim for delayed or cancelled flights?
It is important to distinguish between ticket refunds and financial compensation.
A refund allows passengers to recover the price of an unused ticket in qualifying circumstances. Compensation is an additional payment that may be available when flights are significantly delayed, cancelled at short notice or passengers are denied boarding.
Under the EU’s existing compensation framework, eligible passengers may receive:
- €250 for flights of up to 1,500 kilometres.
- €400 for longer flights within the EU and certain flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres.
- €600 for other flights exceeding 3,500 kilometres.
These amounts have been maintained under the revised air passenger rights framework, as confirmed by the European Parliament’s legislative documentation.
However, airlines are not automatically required to pay compensation for every disruption. Extraordinary circumstances, including certain severe weather events, can affect eligibility.
Stronger protection for passengers with disabilities
The legislation introduces additional safeguards for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.
When an airline requires a passenger to travel with an accompanying person for safety reasons, the companion will be entitled to travel free of charge.
The aim is to bring air travel protections more closely into line with arrangements already available in other European transport sectors.
National enforcement authorities will also receive stronger powers to investigate potential violations of passenger rights, including launching checks without waiting for individual complaints.
The Council of the European Union has described these measures as part of efforts to strengthen the enforcement of passenger rights throughout the EU.
What do the changes mean for travellers flying from Hungary?
The reforms will also be relevant to travellers using Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport and other Hungarian airports.
For international visitors, EU air passenger rights generally apply to flights departing from airports within the European Union, regardless of the passenger’s nationality.
They also cover flights arriving in the EU from non-EU countries when operated by qualifying European airlines.
For example, a British, American or Canadian tourist departing from Budapest may benefit from EU passenger protection even if they do not hold EU citizenship.
Passengers booking flights through third-party travel websites should particularly benefit from clearer responsibilities and more predictable reimbursement procedures once the new legislation becomes applicable.
When will the new rules actually apply?
Although the broader EU air passenger rights reform has already progressed through the legislative process, the latest measures concerning enforcement and refunds are not applicable on 23 October 2026.
The enforcement legislation still requires formal approval by the Council of the European Union before publication in the EU’s Official Journal.
The new provisions are scheduled to apply from 23 October 2027, alongside the revised air passenger rights framework.
Until then, travellers affected by cancellations, long delays or denied boarding should continue to rely on the applicable EU passenger rights rules.
For passengers flying to and from Hungary, the reforms should eventually mean clearer information, simpler procedures and stronger safeguards when seeking refunds or compensation. The key point for travellers today is that existing rights remain enforceable, while the latest improvements are still awaiting implementation.
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