EU Strengthens Passenger Rights: Up to €600 for Flight Delays

Friday, 12 June 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

The European Union has reached a new agreement strengthening passenger rights for flight delays and cancellations. Under the updated rules, travelers flying to or from EU airports, including Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ) in Crete, may be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros depending on flight distance and length of delay. The agreement, approved by EU member state ambassadors, builds on existing EC 261/2004 regulations and aims to make compensation claims faster and more accessible. Tourists flying into Crete this summer should keep boarding passes and booking confirmations, document any delays at the airport, and submit claims directly to their airline within the required timeframe. Budget carriers operating routes to Crete are covered under the same rules. Check your airline's compensation policy before travel and consider using an EU-registered claims service if the airline does not respond promptly.