Will European air passengers receive less compensation in the future?

European air passengers could face new difficulties in obtaining compensation for flight delays with the European Union launching a review of regulations dating back to 2004.

But the text has encountered some political obstacles with civil society and airlines calling for it to be updated.

Currently, it is possible to obtain compensation of between €250 and €600 for delays of three hours or more.

But negotiations currently under way could result in new rules that are unfavourable to consumers, according to the European Consumers' Organisation (BEUC).

"The Commission has proposed changing the time limit for receiving compensation. It would no longer be three hours, but five, nine or twelve (hours), depending on the distance," Steven Berger, a legal expert at BEUC, told Euronews.

"In concrete terms, what impact is this going to have? If what is currently being discussed is approved, 85% of consumers would no longer be entitled to compensation."

The directive applies to any flight departing from an EU airport, regardless of the nationality of the airline, and to flights arriving at EU airports if they are operated by an EU airline.

It does not apply to flights to Europe operated by non-EU airlines, or to non-EU flights with a stopover in Europe.

The regulation covers all Member States as well as Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

Compensation is not payable in the event of "extraordinary circumstances", for example e. extreme weather conditions, air traffic control restrictions, strikes not involving airline staff and political instability.

BEUC is also critical of the timeframe envisaged for asserting passengers' rights.

"At the moment, what is on the table...you would only have three months to ask for compensation or for your