File photo: Automated European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) kiosks, at Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport in Madrid, Spain, Oct 9, 2025. [Photo/Agencies]
European Union ministers have formally signed off a new package of air passenger rights that will apply to all departures from airports in the bloc, and to arrivals on EU-based airlines.
Backed earlier by the European Parliament, the new rules will take effect in the middle of 2027 and expand protections for families and passengers with disabilities, reported the DPA news service.
Among changes, the reforms mean children under the age of 14 will be allowed to sit next to a parent without paying seat-selection fees. The same guarantee will also apply to pregnant passengers and travelers with reduced mobility, when accompanied by a companion.
On Monday, the EU stated: "Today, the council gave its final green light on a new law aiming at simplifying, clarifying and strengthening air passenger rights. The new framework reinforces passenger protection while ensuring a fair balance with airlines' operational realities. It also helps preserve connectivity across the EU and maintain a level playing field for airlines.
