The obectives of the air transport's market rules are to set up a single air transport market in Europe, ensure its proper functioning, and extend it to certain third countries as far as possible.

More than twenty years after the entry into force of the ‘third package’ (in 1992), the functioning of the Single Aviation Market is, of course, still perfectible, as is illustrated by such factors as: the flaws in the slot allocation system; the fact that the vast majority (80%) of routes departing from EU airports are still served by only one (60%) or two carriers (20%); the financial difficulties that several airlines and secondary airports are facing; or the complicated oversight of air carriers now operating in several Member States. Nevertheless, the primary objective has been fully reached: from 1995 to 2014, while the number of passenger-kilometres within the EU-28 increased by around 23%, for air transport it jumped by about 74%. Over the same period, aviation’s share of total passenger transport increased from 6.5% to 9.2%, which is by far the strongest growth of all modes of transport in the EU. Source: <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/en/sheet/131/air-transport-market-rules">Air transport: market rules</a>.

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/air-transport_5203_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term.

Air transport

The European Parliament has always been a strong advocate of passenger rights irrespective of the mode of transport used. Its main aim is now to ensure that the texts adopted in recent years are properly applied.

Common rules have been drawn up in an effort to ensure that passengers receive at least a minimum level of assistance in the event of serious delays to or cancellation of their journey, irrespective of the mode of transport used, and, in particular, to protect more vulnerable travellers. The rules also provide for compensation schemes. A wide range of derogations may be granted for rail and road transport services, however, and court actions challenging the application of the rules are still common.

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/passenger-rights-8th-parliamentary-term_9702_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term.

&nbsp;Air passengers rights

​​​​​​​In 2013 the European Commission presented a proposal for updated air passengers rights rules, on which the European Parliament adopted a position in 2014. Progress on reaching an interinstitutional agreement was stalled for 11 years, until in June 2025 EU ministers reached a political agreement among themselves, opening the way for negotiations with Parliament.

Passenger rights

The setting up of the Single Aviation Market in the late 1990s has profoundly transformed the air transport industry and has greatly contributed to the strong growth in air transport in Europe over the past twenty years.

In numerous reports, and also particularly in its resolution of 14 February 1995 entitled ‘The way forward for civil aviation in Europe’, Parliament has emphasised the need for a common policy on air transport providing for greater and fairer competition among airlines. Parliament’s support for the establishment and proper functioning of the Single Aviation Market has therefore been constant. In so doing, however, Parliament has continuously stressed that the liberalisation of air transport must be implemented cautiously and gradually and must balance the interests of both consumersand the industry.

Air Transport - 8th parliamentary term

The single European sky initiative aims to increase the efficiency of air traffic management (ATM) and air navigation services by reducing the fragmentation of European airspace. By its nature, this ongoing initiative is pan-European and open to neighbouring countries.

Parliament has always endeavoured to remove obstacles to the implementation of the single European sky by adopting a pragmatic approach. In this connection, it has insisted strongly and successfully on the need for close cooperation between the civil and military sectors, in the context of flexible use of airspace, even when the Member States were still reluctant to address the issue.

Single European Sky

MEPs vote on Wednesday on an update to the rights of air travellers facing flight disruptions, to ensure compensation after a three-hour delay.

Ahead of the vote, on Tuesday, plenary discusses the Council’s proposed changes to existing air passenger rights rules. In the face of national governments’ push to weaken these rights, Parliament is set to insist on preserving the rights of air travellers to be reimbursed or re-routed and to claim compensation if a flight is delayed by more than three hours or is cancelled, or if they are denied boarding. Council is proposing that travellers should be compensated only after a four- to six-hour delay, depending on flight distance.

Parliament’s draft text offers a comprehensive list of extraordinary circumstances, such as natural disasters, weather conditions or unforeseen labour disputes, that would release airlines of their responsibility to pay compensation. Council favours an open-ended list.

Plenary is also expected to defend the right to carry on board, at no additional cost, one personal item, such as a handbag, backpack or laptop, plus one small piece of hand luggage with maximum dimensions of 100 cm (combined length, width and height) and weighing no more than 7 kg.

Background information

In 2014, Parliament reacted to a Commission proposal to update air passenger rights, proposing that delayed or stranded air passengers should receive better access to compensation, with clearer rules about how airlines should deal with passenger complaints. Differing positions among EU countries blocked this file for 11 years. In June 2025, however, EU ministers reached a political agreement. Subsequent negotiations with Parliament started in October 2025, but did not end in agreement, forcing Parliament to proceed with the adoption of its second reading position.

EP Plenary debate on Air passenger rights

Press conference on Air passenger rights

EP Plenary session - Air Passenger Rights

EP Plenary session  - Development of an industry for sustainable aviation and maritime fuel in Europe

EP Plenary session - Latest developments on the revision of the air passenger rights and airline liability regulations

EP Plenary session - The importance of trans-European transport infrastructure in times of stalling economic growth and major threats to Europe’s security

EP Plenary session - Sustainable aviation fuels (ReFuelEU Aviation Initiative)

Air passenger right - Lost, damaged or delayed luggage ?

Andrey NOVAKOV (EPP, BG), rapporteur, Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS (Greens/EFA, LT), vice-chair of TRAN Committee and the shadow rapporteurs Matteo RICCI (S&D, IT), Kosma ZŁOTOWSKI (ECR, PL), Vicent MARZÀ IBÁÑEZ (Greens/EFA, ES) and Arash SAEIDI (The Left, FR), hold a press conference on Air passenger rights. MEPs discussed the Council’s proposed changes to existing air passenger rights rules and on an update to the rights of air travelers facing flight disruptions, to ensure compensation after a three-hour delay. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press Conference by Andrey NOVAKOV (EPP, BG), rapporteur, Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS (Greens/EFA, LT) , vice-chair of TRAN Committee and the shadow rapporteurs on Air passenger rights

Apostolos TZITZIKOSTAS, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, and Andrey NOVAKOV (EPP, BG), Rapporteur, close the debate on Air Passenger Rights, an update to the rights of air travellers facing flight disruptions, to ensure compensation after a three-hour delay. In 2014, Parliament reacted to a Commission proposal to update air passenger rights, proposing that delayed or stranded air passengers should receive better access to compensation, with clearer rules about how airlines should deal with passenger complaints. Differing positions among EU countries blocked this file for 11 years. In June 2025, however, EU ministers reached a political agreement. Subsequent negotiations with Parliament started in October 2025, but did not end in agreement, forcing Parliament to proceed with the adoption of its second reading position.

Air Passenger Rights: closing statements by Apostolos TZITZIKOSTAS, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, and Andrey NOVAKOV (EPP, BG), Rapporteur

MEPs debate on Air Passenger Rights. They discuss the Council’s proposed changes to existing air passenger rights rules. Parliament’s draft text offers a comprehensive list of extraordinary circumstances, such as natural disasters, weather conditions or unforeseen labour disputes, that would release airlines of their responsibility to pay compensation. Council favours an open-ended list. Plenary also defends the right to carry on board, at no additional cost, one personal item, such as a handbag, backpack or laptop, plus one small piece of hand luggage with maximum dimensions of 100 cm (combined length, width and height) and weighing no more than 7 kg.

Air Passenger Rights: MEPs debate

Andrey NOVAKOV (EPP, BG), Rapporteur and Apostolos TZITZIKOSTAS, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism open the debate on Air Passenger Rights, an update to the rights of air travellers facing flight disruptions, to ensure compensation after a three-hour delay. In 2014, Parliament reacted to a Commission proposal to update air passenger rights, proposing that delayed or stranded air passengers should receive better access to compensation, with clearer rules about how airlines should deal with passenger complaints. Differing positions among EU countries blocked this file for 11 years. In June 2025, however, EU ministers reached a political agreement. Subsequent negotiations with Parliament started in October 2025, but did not end in agreement, forcing Parliament to proceed with the adoption of its second reading position. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Air Passenger Rights: opening statements by Andrey NOVAKOV (EPP, BG), Rapporteur and Apostolos TZITZIKOSTAS, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism

This News item presents extracts from the debate (20/1) and from the vote (21/1) on Air Passenger Rights. In 2014, Parliament reacted to a Commission proposal to update air passenger rights, proposing that delayed or stranded air passengers should receive better access to compensation, with clearer rules about how airlines should deal with passenger complaints. Differing positions among EU countries blocked this file for 11 years. In June 2025, however, EU ministers reached a political agreement. Subsequent negotiations with Parliament started in October 2025, but did not end in agreement, forcing Parliament to proceed with the adoption of its second reading position.This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Air Passenger Rights: extracts from the debate (20/1) and from the vote (21/1)

Passenger Rights apply for delays and cancellations for air, rail, ship or bus passengers when travelling in the EU. This infoclip is illustrating passengers departing from airports and rail stations in Europe (Belgium, France, Italy, Slovenia).

Infoclip: Passenger rights

EPRS identifies and frames some of the top key issues that might feature prominently in public debate and on the political agenda of the European Union this year. In times of crises and war, what are the challenges we must face and choices we have to make? Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - How will increasing fuel prices impact transport?

MEPs vote on the following topics: The arrest of Cardinal Zen and the trustees of the 612 relief fund in Hong Kong; The situation of indigenous and environmental defenders in Brazil, including the killing of Dom Philips and Bruno Pereira; The situation in Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province; Sustainable aviation fuels (ReFuelEU Aviation Initiative) - Søren GADE (Renew, DK); Financial Activities of the European Investment Bank - annual report 2021 - David CORMAND; Control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank - annual report 2020; Protection of the European Union’s financial interests - combating fraud - annual report 2020; Better regulation: Joining forces to make better laws; US Supreme Court decision to overturn abortion rights in the United States and the need to safeguard abortion rights and Women’s health in the EU.

Voting session, including US Supreme Court decision to overturn abortion rights in the United States and the need to safeguard abortion rights and Women’s health in the EU

air transport package (T)

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