On this webpage, you will find relevant links to legislation, case law and policy documents on air passenger rights. For specific information and advice on your rights as an air passenger and how to claim these rights, please visit 'Your Europe'.
Legislation
The single market for air transport in the European Union has greatly benefited passengers: they now enjoy lower fares and a wider choice of carriers and services than in the past. However, measures are needed to protect passengers' interests and ensure that they fully benefit from the single market.
EU law protects air passengers who are denied boarding or whose flight is cancelled or delayed. The EU also provides rights to passengers in case of accidents or loss, destruction or damage to baggage. Persons with disabilities or reduced mobility enjoy specific rights and protection under European passenger rights legislation.
Below, you will find an overview of links relevant to EU legislation on air passenger rights.
Denied boarding, cancellations and delays
EU Regulation 261/2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights
Summary of EU Regulation 261/2004
Interpretative Guidelines on Regulation (EC) 261/2004 and on Regulation (EC) 2027/97 of 25 September 2024
Proposal for a revision of EU Regulation 261/2004
Accidents and loss, destruction or damage to baggage
Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air (the Montreal Convention) and its rectification Council Decision 2001/539/EC
EU Regulation 889/2002 amending Council Regulation 2027/97 on air carrier liability in the event of accidents.
Interpretative Guidelines on Regulation (EC) 261/2004 and on Regulation (EC) 2027/97 of 25 September 2024
Proposal for a revision of EU Regulation 2027/97
Rights of persons with disabilities or reduced mobility
EU Regulation 1107/2006 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air
Summary of EU Regulation 1107/2006: Rights of people with reduced mobility
Report on the functioning and effects of Regulation No 1107/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air
Interpretative Guidelines on Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 of 4 October 2024
Communication COM(2008)510 on the scope of the liability of air carriers and airports in the event of destroyed, damaged or lost mobility equipment of passengers with reduced mobility when travelling air
Evaluation of EU Regulation 1107/2006 [SWD(2021)417]
Case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)
On many occasions, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has been requested by national courts to clarify certain provisions of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 on air passenger rights and of the Montreal Convention.
Below, we provide a thematic overview of relevant judgments with regard to air passenger rights. Please note that the case-law included below is not exhaustive, and that only the versions of the judgments published in the ‘Reports of Cases' of the CJEU or the ‘Official Journal of the European Union' are authentic.
Summary of the most relevant Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) judgements
Modernising the European rules on air passenger rights
Proposal for a revision of EU Regulation 261/2004 and EU Regulation 2027/97
Policy and other related documents
European Court of Auditors’ Special report no 15/2021 on air passenger rights during the COVID-19 pandemic
Commission staff working document [SWD(2014) 156]: Complaint handling and enforcement by Member States of the Air Passenger Rights Regulations
Communication COM(2013)129 final on passenger protection in the event of airlines insolvency
Communication COM(2011)0174 final from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of EU Regulation 261/2004
Communication COM(2007)168 final of the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council pursuant to Article 17 of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 on the operation and the results of this Regulation establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights
Useful links and documents
Your Europe - detailed information and advice on your rights as an air passenger and how you can claim them.
Online enquiry form for air passengers to obtain information on how to exercise their rights.