In formal moves this week, representatives of the EU’s 27 member states are discussing proposals to weaken the EU261 rules that compensate passengers for canceled and delayed flights, possibly extending by hours how long a flight is delayed before compensation kicks in.
The current rules have been in effect since 2005. Proposals under discussion this week could lead to a sign-off by EU ministers in June. Among the proposals would be to change the delay time from its present three hours to five or nine, depending on the length of the flight. Airlines say this would give them a better chance of providing alternatives and saving cost.
Any new proposal would likely also incorporate language from a 2013 proposal that intended to clarify a number of issues, including what are the “extraordinary circumstances” that relieve an airline of responsibility. The 2013 proposal failed to reach agreement among the member states and has therefore remained on hold.
