2026-10-16
Image: Magic K / Pexels · Pexels License
Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. It amends Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 on air passenger rights. Three dates are worth keeping apart.
Publication: 2 October 2026, in the Official Journal of the EU. Entry into force: 22 October 2026, the twentieth day after publication – from then on the regulation is part of EU law. Date of application: 23 October 2027 – under the regulation, the new rules apply twelve months after entry into force. Until 23 October 2027, today's rules apply to every flight.
Compensation from 23 October 2027: €250 for journeys of 1,500 km or less; €400 for intra-EU journeys over 1,500 km and other journeys between 1,500 and 3,500 km; €600 for all other journeys. A delay at arrival of more than three hours gives a right to compensation.
If a passenger may be owed compensation, the airline must inform them electronically within 96 hours of the end of the journey, including how to claim. The return flight cannot be refused because the passenger did not take the outbound flight. If the airline does not offer suitable rerouting within three hours, passengers may arrange it themselves; necessary and reasonable costs must be reimbursed up to 400% of the ticket price.
Our detailed guide in the Magazine: "New EU air passenger rights: what changes in 2027 – and what applies until then". This news item is for information only and is not legal advice.
