Skycop Attorney Warns: Proposed EU Changes Could Gut Flight Compensation Rules

VILNIUS, Lithuania - June 10, 2025 - PRLog -- As public concern grows over a renewed EU initiative to weaken air passenger compensation rights, Skycop calls on European institutions to modernize – not dismantle – Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 by increasing compensation amounts and safeguarding travelers' protections.

Recent reports confirm that EU lawmakers are now considering a proposal that would dramatically raise the minimum delay thresholds needed to qualify for compensation – from the current 3 hours to 4 hours for short-haul, and up to 6 hours for longer flights. Despite opposition from Spain, Germany and other countries, and consumer advocates, according to media sources, a majority of EU transport ministers voted in favor of this change during recent Council discussions – a move that could cut compensation rights drastically.

"Instead of minimising passengers' rights, we should be talking about how to make them stronger," says attorney at law Nerijus Zaleckas. "The compensation amounts haven't been adjusted since 2004 and have lost nearly half their value due to inflation. It is time to bring them in line with today's realities – not roll them back even further."

Skycop's internal data shows that nearly 218,000 flights across Europe were significantly disrupted last year, representing up to €6 billion in potential compensation. Under the new proposal, the vast majority of those affected would receive nothing, costing passengers hundreds of millions of euros annually.

Skycop also warns that reducing financial accountability for airlines would remove critical pressure on them to maintain on-time performance and service quality.

"Countries outside the EU – from Saudi Arabia to the UK – are either preserving or introducing EU-style protection for good reason," adds Zaleckas. "They boost trust, support consumer rights, and help grow tourism. Europe must not fall behind. We urge lawmakers to double the compensation amounts and protect the 3-hour delay rule that has stood for years."

As the debate intensifies in Brussels, Skycop joins the voices of consumer advocates and public petitions in calling on the EU to protect passengers – not airlines.

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