Justice Minister Defends Compensation Rights for Delayed Flight Passengers

In a recent statement, the German Justice Minister has voiced strong opposition to proposed changes in the EU that would significantly alter compensation rights for passengers affected by flight delays. Minister Stefanie Hubig expressed concern that the new regulations could diminish the rights of travelers and undermine consumer protection.

Currently, under the EU's Flight Rights Regulation established in 2004, passengers are eligible for compensation of between 250 and 600 euros if their flights are delayed by three hours or more. However, the European Commission is considering raising the threshold for compensation eligibility to five to twelve hours, depending on the flight distance. This proposed change has raised alarms among consumer advocates, who predict that it would eliminate approximately 80 percent of current compensation claims.

Hubig, representing the Social Democratic Party (SPD), emphasized that long flight delays can disrupt essential plans and detract from travelers' experiences, costing them valuable time. She stated that consumer rights should not be viewed as a luxury that can be disregarded during economically challenging periods. Instead, she committed to advocating for the maintenance of existing compensation rights for passengers experiencing delays of three hours or more.

At a recent conference in Berlin, where consumer protection policies were a key focus, Hubig made it clear that Germany would not support any EU regulation that disproportionately favors airline interests at the expense of passenger rights. The ongoing discussions around flight compensation are part of broader debates regarding airline business models, including additional charges for larger carry-on luggage.

As the EU member states continue to deliberate on these proposed reforms, the outcome could have significant implications for travelers across Europe. The Justice Minister's strong position underscores the ongoing commitment to protecting consumer rights in the face of evolving regulatory landscapes.