Since 2004, Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 (EU261) has protected millions of air passengers in the European Union. It guarantees compensation of up to €600 for long delays, cancellations, and denied boarding, a fair and vital safeguard when travel plans are disrupted through no fault of the traveler.

But now, these rights are under threat.

What’s happening?
The European Commission is proposing a revision of EU261 that would make it harder, not easier, for passengers to claim compensation.

Under the proposed changes:

• The delay threshold for compensation would increase from 3 hours to 5 hours for short-haul flights — and even longer for medium and long-haul routes (9 and 12 hours).
• Compensation amounts would not be adjusted for inflation, even though the value of money has significantly decreased since 2004.
• Airlines would benefit from a broader list of “extraordinary circumstances” to avoid paying compensation — including technical issues or strikes beyond their control.

Why this matters:

This proposal hurts passengers, especially vulnerable ones, families with children, elderly travelers, and people with medical conditions or reduced mobility.
A delay of 5 hours (or more) is not just an inconvenience. It can mean missed weddings, lost work, or life-altering consequences.

Instead of rolling back protections, the EU should be strengthening them by:

• Maintaining the 3-hour delay threshold for compensation
• Increasing compensation amounts to reflect inflation
• Clarifying and simplifying the claims process
• Ensuring enforcement of existing rights, not reducing them

We call on European policymakers to reject the weakening of EU261 and reaffirm the EU’s role as a global leader in consumer protection.

Sign this petition to demand:
✅ No increase to delay thresholds
✅ Compensation indexed to inflation
✅ Fair, transparent, and enforceable passenger rights
✅ A Europe that protects its people, not airline profits

Let’s stand up for millions of travelers and make sure the EU doesn’t take a step backward.

Add your name and share this petition. Let’s defend EU261 — and make it stronger.