New EU air passenger rights rules: what changes in 2027
Last reviewed: November 2026
In a nutshell
The EU adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 in September 2026. Most changes apply to flights from late October 2027. Compensation amounts (€250/€400/€600) and the 3-hour delay threshold are unchanged. New: a 9-month deadline to claim, a 30-day deadline for airlines to reply, and an official list of extraordinary circumstances. Until then, today's rules apply.
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Check my flight free →What stays the same
- €250, €400 or €600 per passenger, by distance
- Compensation from a 3-hour arrival delay
- Which flights are covered
What changes (flights from late October 2027)
- Claim within 9 months of the flight
- Airlines must pay or explain a refusal within 30 days, and must tell you about your rights within 96 hours of your journey ending
- A non-exhaustive official list of extraordinary circumstances, and airlines must say which one they rely on
- Cancellation with less than 14 days' notice: no compensation only if rerouting leaves no more than 1 hour early and arrives less than 2 hours late
- The 50% reduction only for flights over 3,500 km arriving no more than 4 hours late
- Compensation paid by bank transfer unless you agree otherwise
Find out if you're owed compensation
See if you're likely owed compensation, how much, and the time limit. If you are, get a ready-to-send claim letter for £9.99 / €11.99 / $14.99 per booking. You keep 100%.
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General information about UK and EU air passenger rights, not legal advice. Rules can change; check the details of your own flight.