Airlines International Representation in Europe (AIRE) welcomes the political agreement reached by the Council of the European Union on 5 June concerning the proposed amendment of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 on air passenger rights.

We commend the efforts of the Polish Presidency for breaking a legislative impasse that has lasted over a decade, helping to advance this critical file. The revised proposal introduces several positive developments, including an adjustment of the compensation threshold from 3 to 4 hours for intra-EU flights.

However, while this marks progress, more remains to be done. AIRE continues to support the original proposal by the European Commission, which recommended a 5-hour threshold for compensation. We believe this approach better reflects the need to balance robust consumer protection with the operational realities of the aviation industry.

It remains a concern that airlines bear sole financial responsibility for delays and cancellations, even when these disruptions are caused by factors beyond their control. AIRE advocates for a more proportionate and fair system, ensuring that responsibility is aligned with the actual source of the disruption.

We also welcome the inclusion of a non-exhaustive list of extraordinary circumstances in the agreement. This is an important step toward greater legal clarity for both passengers and air carriers and will help foster a more transparent and predictable regulatory environment.

AIRE remains committed to working with EU institutions and stakeholders to ensure that future revisions of Regulation 261 support a fair, effective, and sustainable framework for both consumers and the aviation sector.