New EU flight rules from 23 October 2027

The EU has updated its air passenger rights law (Regulation (EU) 2026/2202). The changes apply from 23 October 2027. Until then, today’s rules apply.

• ⏳ Only 9 months to claimCompensation requests must be sent within nine months of the flight date. Today the limit depends on the country and is often several years.
• 💶 Same compensationStill €250, €400 or €600 per passenger for a 3h+ delay, cancellation or denied boarding, by distance. On the longest flights airlines may pay 50% less in some cases.
• ⏱ 30 days to answerAirlines must confirm your request right away, then pay or explain a refusal within 30 days.
• 📋 A list of excusesThe law now lists “extraordinary circumstances” such as severe weather, natural disasters, or airport and air traffic control strikes. An airline that refuses must say which one it relies on.

Sources: EUR-Lex, Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 · European Parliament, 7 Jul 2026 · Council of the EU, 13 Jul 2026. Summary for information, not legal advice.