The European Parliament has given the “green light” to the new framework that strengthens air passenger rights, introducing stricter rules on transparency in ticket pricing, faster compensation in the event of delays, and stronger protection for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Member states and airlines will have one year to comply with the new requirements, while the agreement also bears a Cypriot stamp, as it was shaped during Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Speaking on the Alpha News program, the Director of the European Consumer Center Cyprus, Anastasia Stylianidou, stated that consumer rights will be affected—and, more specifically, strengthened—in 2027.

“Within 96 hours—that is, 4 days—the airline must send the complaint form. (…) Another right is that our name will be corrected, free of charge.”

At the same time, children up to 14 years of age will be able to travel in a seat next to their parents or guardians at no additional charge.

“We are also granted the right to rebooking. That is, if we remain abroad for example, due to a cancellation of our reservation, and the airline told us that the next available flight would be either in three days or in two days, without providing any further information. Who will bear the cost of this accommodation? Now the Commission is saying that if the consumer finds an available flight on their own through another airline—one that allows them to travel either the same day or the next day, they may inform the airline and use that option.”

In addition, communication channels with the airlines should be free of charge and easily accessible. The right to compensation in the event of a cancellation or delay remains in effect and ranges from 200 to 700 euros.

Here’s what Ms. Stylianou said on the ALPHA News program:

The “EP: Your Voice, Your Future” program was co-funded by the European Union as part of the European Parliament’s grant program in the field of communication. The European Parliament did not participate in its preparation and bears no responsibility, nor is it in any way associated with the information or opinions expressed in the program, for which sole responsibility lies with the authors, the interviewees, the publishers, or the program’s broadcasters, in accordance with applicable law. The European Parliament also accepts no liability for any damages, direct or indirect, that may arise from the implementation of the program.