Tag: passenger compensation

Arduous negotiations on opening up European rail transport to competition and establishing minimum passenger rights neared an end as MEPs confirmed a compromise deal struck in June with the Council, which would allow passengers to be compensated financially for international train delays.

An attempt by airlines to overturn an EU regulation to compensate passengers whose flights are cancelled or delayed was rejected by the European Court of Justice (ECJ).

MEPs and Member States have struck a conciliation agreement to open the freight market to competition by 2007. The liberalisation is designed to help the railways increase their market share of freight transport.

EU airline passengers will benefit from new rights from 2005 where they are denied boarding, have to face long delays or cancelled flights. Airline associations argue that prices will go up and that the law is punitive.

Parliament and Council reached agreement on compensation to air passengers in cases of overbookings or delays. Rail and sea may be next.