According to IATA, the most significant changes relating to disruptions are the introduction of a non-exhaustive list of extraordinary circumstances and a new requirement for airports to establish contingency plans for passenger accommodation during large-scale disruptions.
The association described the accommodation requirement as an initial step towards greater accountability across the aviation ecosystem but argued that the revised extraordinary circumstances provisions do not sufficiently support the industry’s safety-first approach.
IATA noted that the annual regulatory burden associated with EU261 has reached approximately 8 billion euros while, according to Eurocontrol data, the regulation has not achieved its objective of improving performance on delays and cancellations.
The association argued that many delays originate from shortcomings within Europe’s air traffic management system and therefore remain outside the direct control of airlines.
During the reform process, airlines supported proposals from the European Commission to extend the delay thresholds before compensation obligations would apply. According to IATA, this approach would have increased airlines’ ability to offer alternative travel arrangements, which passengers consistently identify as their primary concern during disruptions.
IATA stated that these proposals were removed during negotiations with the European Parliament, while additional requirements were introduced without sufficient consideration of their operational consequences.
Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, said: “After 13 years of discussion, the opportunity to improve Europe’s competitiveness and the passenger experience by addressing the flaws of EU261 was lost. The result will not reduce delays, but considering the whole package of changes, it will create operational challenges and add costs which will ultimately be borne by passengers. So, it’s a reform in name only that does nothing to help disrupted passengers. Those responsible for this political trade-off must be held accountable with transparent data to monitor its costs and impacts.”
IATA also highlighted two areas that it believes require further attention as the legislative process continues.
“Where do we go from here? First, we must work with the Council and Parliament to ensure that the enforcement package does not make an already bad situation worse with additional regulatory burdens that the sector can ill afford. The aim should be practical, effective, and consistent implementation. And second, Europe’s imminent Aviation Strategy must address air traffic management deficiencies which are the root cause of many delays,” said Walsh.
The association maintains that future policy measures should focus on improving air traffic management performance and ensuring that passenger rights legislation is aligned with operational realities across the European aviation sector.
Tags: European Commission Willie Walsh, IATA
