The European Parliament has given final approval to new EU passenger-rights enforcement rules that will require clearer and faster refunds for cancelled flights booked through travel agents and online platforms. The regulation, adopted in Strasbourg by 652 votes to two, with eight abstentions, covers all modes of passenger transport and is intended to apply from 23 October 2027, subject to formal Council approval and publication in the EU Official Journal.
For cancelled flights purchased through an intermediary, passengers will be entitled to a full refund, including any intermediation fee, within 14 days. Airlines will have seven days to transfer the money to the intermediary, which will then have a further seven days to pay the passenger. Travel agents and booking platforms must explain the applicable reimbursement arrangements when the ticket is purchased.
The legislation will also introduce standardised forms for reimbursement and compensation claims. The forms will be available through the European Commission’s website in all EU languages and for all transport modes, while equivalent carrier forms may also be used.
Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility will be able to take a necessary accompanying person on board at no charge. National enforcement authorities will gain powers to initiate audits, inspections and interviews with transport operators without first receiving a passenger complaint. The measure is separate from Parliament’s earlier 2026 approval of a revised air passenger-rights regulation, although both sets of rules are scheduled to apply from 23 October 2027.