Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus transport minister Alexis Vafeades said on Wednesday that a European agreement on air passenger rights is expected to come into force in early July 2027, following approval by the European Parliament and the Council. He said the reform updates rules on flight delays, cancellations and denied boarding that had remained largely unchanged for more than a decade.
Agreement and legislative process
Speaking after the Council of Ministers meeting, Vafeades said he had briefed the cabinet on the agreement reached in Strasbourg during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. He said the text would now proceed to the next legislative stages.
Vafeades described the agreement as a major step for passengers across Europe, saying the regulation had not progressed for about 13 years.
Changes for passengers
According to the minister, the reform will make it easier for passengers to understand their rights and claim compensation. It also introduces clearer rules for families and vulnerable travellers.
Parents will be able to sit next to children under the age of 14 without paying extra. Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility will also receive stronger protection.
Importance for Cyprus
Vafeades said the reform was particularly important for Cyprus, where air connectivity is closely linked to travel, tourism, business and the wider economy.
He said the agreement would improve transparency and reliability in transport, adding that stronger reliability also meant stronger connectivity, which is a key issue for Cyprus.
Voting outcome
The minister said the agreement would substantially upgrade the everyday life of passengers. During the conciliation process, member states voted 85 per cent in favour of the agreement, while representatives of the European Parliament voted 100 per cent in favour.
