Latest news and stories about passenger rights in travel in Portugal for expats and residents.
European Union countries have reached a political agreement to reform air passenger rights, which will prohibit airlines from charging extra fees to parents who wish to sit next to their children. The overhaul, which also simplifies claims for canceled or delayed flights, is expected to take effect in the second half of the year following a final vote by the European Parliament.
The National Civil Aviation Authority (Autoridade Nacional da Aviação Civil or ANAC) has reminded passengers of their rights to refunds or alternative transport following flight cancellations. This guidance comes as geopolitical tensions begin to impact air travel schedules.
ANAC (Autoridade Nacional da Aviação Civil) is Portugal's national civil aviation regulator, responsible for safety oversight, licensing and economic regulation of airlines, airports and ground-handling services. It oversees tenders and issues licences such as the recent ground-handling awards for Lisbon, Porto and Faro, so its decisions directly affect airport operations, service providers and related jobs.
After 12 years of negotiations, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU have finalized new air passenger rights, including compensation for delays exceeding three hours and guaranteed allowances for personal items like backpacks.
EU institutions failed to reach an agreement on air passenger rights reform during overnight negotiations but have committed to continuing discussions today.
The European Parliament is resisting Commission proposals to dilute passenger protections, insisting on retaining mandatory compensation for cancelled or delayed flights and a guaranteed baggage allowance. The dispute reflects a broader clash between consumer-rights advocates and regulatory reformers, with important consequences for airlines, passengers and upcoming EU travel rules.
After 13 years of negotiations, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament have reached a political agreement on the revision of air passenger rights, strengthening their protection and clarifying airline obligations in the event of delays, cancellations, and denied boarding.
Among the measures agreed upon this Monday by the two European institutions is compensation for delays exceeding three hours.
Find out the amounts awarded for compensation
The text must next be voted on next month in Parliament’s plenary session. It will enter into force in the second half of 2027.
A nationwide strike has led to significant disruptions in Portuguese air traffic, while highlighting the strengthened legal protections for affected passengers.
Passenger rights are being disproportionately affected by the new border system, says the director-general of the Association of Airline Companies in Portugal. Lisbon receives reinforcements.
Nuno Pinto Coelho Faria, a lawyer specializing in aviation, examines Deco's request for passengers to be compensated for missing flights due to delays at border controls in national airports.
The civil aviation regulator clarifies that airlines are not responsible for delays at border controls. The PSP and ANA may be held accountable in court.
Although it does not have direct authority over border control, ANAC states that it is “permanently” monitoring matters that may impact the regular operation of airport infrastructure.
The Director-General of Airlines for Europe (A4E) represents the 16 leading European airlines in Brussels (including TAP), which are responsible for over 80% of European air traffic. The European Parliament and the Council of the EU are currently in negotiations regarding the revision of the passenger rights regulation.
Home News Passengers with cancelled flights due to lack of fuel won’t have any compensation Passengers with cancelled flights due to lack of fuel won’t have any compensation The European Commission is officially considering flight cancellations due to a genuine lack of fuel as an extraordinary ci
A guide covering common passenger rights regarding flight cancellations, delays, and extra fees.
Refunds, rerouting and compensation: ANAC details what carriers must guarantee to passengers, at a time when the war in Iran is putting pressure on the European aviation sector.
The conflict between the United States and Iran is beginning to disrupt air transport services, with some companies already cancelling thousands of flights scheduled for the coming months. The ANAC (National Civil Aviation Authority) has now reminded passengers that in the event of a cancellation, they have the right to demand a refund or alternative transport.
These Portuguese citizens are not covered by repatriation efforts as they are not in countries involved in the conflict. Experts warn that passenger rights are better protected when flying with airlines based in the European Union.
The Parliament's position will be sent to the Council and, if Member States do not accept the proposed amendments, a 'Conciliation Committee' will be convened.
