Renew Europe welcomes today's vote in the Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee on the Air Passenger Rights Regulation and are eager to immediately commence trilogues to defend and expand European air passenger rights. We believe passengers deserve guaranteed compensation for flight delays over three hours and should never face fees for checking in, choosing seats for their children, or correcting booking errors.
Speaking after the Committee vote, Renew Europe shadow rapporteur Jan-Christoph Oetjen MEP (FDP, Germany) said:
“The reform of air passenger rights is long overdue. This makes it all the more important that we not only get reforms off the ground quickly, but also take decisive action to ensure that passenger rights are not weakened.’’
Attempts by EU Member States to weaken passenger rights, especially in terms of compensation thresholds and eligibility, are regrettable. Jan-Christoph Oetjen continues:
“The Council wants to erode passenger rights, but we will not accept that. Compensation from three hours onwards is essential for passengers.”
Renew Europe has fought to keep compensation for passengers. We believe that European citizens deserve fair treatment, clear rules and accessible compensation when flights are delayed, cancelled or boarding is denied.
With today's vote, Renew Europe reconfirmed its support for passengers rights and calls on the Council to support passengers’ rights and to work with the Parliament to deliver a fair, transparent and passenger-centred air travel framework.
