Labour has been warned against following in the EU’s footsteps and trying to change airline regulations, which could harm the rights of passengers. Last week, EU transport ministers approved a draft reform of EU Regulation 261/2004, the bedrock of air passenger rights across Europe for the past two decades. The UK’s own regulation, UK261, currently replicates EU261 almost word for word.

There are now concerns that the UK will amend its own regulations, leading to a “backwards” step in British air passengers’ rights. Anton Radchenko, an expert in passenger rights and CEO of AirAdvisor, said airline regulation reforms would particularly impact medium and long distances across Europe. He told the Express: “We are moving backwards, at a time when flight delays and disruptions are increasing across the continent.

“According to estimates by AirAdvisor, over 60% of air passengers will see their rights diminished, even when clearly harmed by cancellations, delays and abusive new fees charged by airlines.”

The move by the EU may significantly reduce compensation eligibility, weaken accountability, and open the door to new passenger fees – like cabin baggage charges.

The proposed reform, which now goes to the European Parliament, redefines free hand luggage as a personal item no larger than 40x30x15 cm that must fit under the seat in front.

Mr Radchenko explained that, if the proposal is accepted, compensation for long-haul flight delays or cancellations is set to be reduced from €600 to €500.

Compensation would also be standardised at €300 for all flights under 3,500km, replacing the existing €250 and €400 levels.

Passengers on long-haul routes would only be eligible for compensation after six hours of delay, and those on shorter routes after four hours, up from the current three-hour rule.

He added: “If approved, the new rules will leave millions of consumers unprotected against the increasingly frequent problems in European aviation, opening the door to airline abuses and undermining trust in the bloc’s air transport system.

“The proposal approved by EU ministers dilutes or removes key protections, including the right to compensation for delays of three hours or more. 

“This sets a dangerous precedent where delays may become routine and airlines will no longer be penalised. The current rules exist to maintain order and accountability in the sector.

“The three-hour delay threshold has long been a global standard holding airlines responsible. Weakening it sends the message that passengers’ time and inconvenience no longer matter.”