New air passenger rights. What will change for travel from Cyprus?

Compensation after a delay of more than three hours, free name correction and more detailed rules for assistance after a flight cancellation. The European Union has adopted new regulations for air passengers. The changes will also apply to travelers using Larnaca and Paphos airports.

The new rules will apply from October 23, 2027. Until then, current regulations will remain in effect. Passengers are already entitled to specific assistance, ticket refunds, and compensation if certain conditions are met.

Compensation still pending after three hours

The new regulations retain the right to compensation for delays in reaching your final destination exceeding three hours. The carrier can avoid payment if it can prove that the disruption was due to extraordinary circumstances and could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.

The basic amounts depend on the length of the trip:

• 250 euro — up to 1,500 kilometers;
• 400 euro — for journeys within the EU of more than 1,500 kilometres and for other journeys between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres;
• 600 euro — for the remaining longest journeys.

For flights between Poland and Cyprus, the €400 threshold will be crucial. However, this doesn't mean automatic compensation for every delay—the cause and circumstances of the delay also matter.

Refund and voluntary voucher

If the departure delay exceeds five hours, passengers will be able to cancel their trip and opt for a refund. The standard refund period will be seven calendar days from the date of this selection.

The regulations provide for an exception: once the airport emergency plan is activated, the deadline may be extended to 30 days.

The voucher will remain voluntary. The airline will not be able to force its acceptance or hinder the selection of a refund. The voucher will normally be valid for a maximum of 12 months, with the possibility of a one-time extension upon mutual consent. Any unused amount will be refunded after the validity period expires.

When will the passenger arrange his/her own onward travel?

If the passenger chooses to continue their journey and the carrier does not offer suitable alternative transport within three hours, they will be able to arrange a change of route themselves.

In the case of a cancelled flight, this period will be counted from the scheduled departure time indicated on the ticket. You will need to inform the carrier of your reservation.

Reimbursement will cover expenses that are necessary, reasonable and appropriate, up to 400 percent of the full price of the original ticket or tickets and any intermediary feesIt's worth keeping payment confirmations and correspondence with the airline.

Food, hotel and waiting on board

The new regulations clarify care during waiting times. They provide drinks and snacks every two hours, a meal after three hours, and then every five hours—a maximum of three meals per day.

If overnight accommodation is required, the carrier must provide a hotel and transportation to and from the airport. In exceptional circumstances, accommodation may be limited to three nights, with exceptions for vulnerable passengers.

During a long layover, restroom access, water, and appropriate cabin conditions must be ensured. After two hours, passengers should generally be allowed to disembark, subject to safety requirements.

Typo in name without additional fee

The carrier will be obliged to correct the mistake in the name or surname at least once free of charge if the notification is made at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure.

This applies to corrections to the same passenger's data. This will not mean that the ticket can be transferred free of charge to another person.

Small bag free of charge, larger suitcase depends on tariff

Passengers will be allowed to bring one personal item at no additional charge. Regulations define this as baggage within the maximum dimensions. 40 × 30 × 15 cm or fits under the front seat, while maintaining safety rules.

Larger cabin bags will not automatically become free. Instead, the changes are intended to make it easier to compare prices that include larger carry-on bags.

Seats next to children and more efficient application processing

A caregiver traveling with a child on the same flight will be offered the option of occupying an adjacent seat at no additional cost. If no such seats are available, the carrier should assist in finding a solution. Free use of a stroller to the gate or aircraft door is also provided, with certain operational and safety exceptions.

Passengers will have nine months to submit a compensation claim. The airline must acknowledge receipt of the claim and either pay the amount within 30 days or provide justification for the refusal.

All described changes will apply from October 23, 2027. Current passenger protection rules should be used for current travel.

Sources: EUR-Lex, Council of the European Union.