European Parliament backs ban on airlines cancelling onward flights
Thursday 22nd October 2026 on 21:01 in
Iceland
The European Parliament has approved new rules that would stop airlines cancelling the rest of a passenger’s itinerary if they miss an earlier flight, mbl.is reports. The changes are scheduled to take effect on 23 October 2027, subject to approval by EU member states.
The ban on the so-called no-show rule is among several changes to passenger rights welcomed by the Consumers’ Association of Iceland. Under the current practice, an airline can cancel later flight segments when a passenger does not take the first leg.
Other measures include full refunds within 14 days, including for bookings made through travel agents or booking websites. A standard refund form will be available in all EU languages. Airlines will also have to send passengers a link to a form, pay compensation within 30 days or explain why a claim has been rejected. They will not be required to send pre-filled forms.
Companions travelling with people with disabilities or reduced mobility will be entitled to fly free of charge. Children under 14 will not pay a seat fee when seated beside an accompanying adult, and ticket prices must include cabin baggage without an extra charge.
Compensation amounts and the three-hour delay threshold will remain unchanged. Crew illness and safety equipment will no longer be included in the category of extraordinary circumstances, a change the Consumers’ Association considers positive.
Breki Karlsson, chair of the Consumers’ Association, said airlines’ responses to passenger claims vary because current law sets no time limit. He said Icelandair has historically responded quickly, while low-cost airlines can be harder to contact. He also described SAS as lagging behind.
The association says clearer guidance will explain how passengers can claim compensation. Breki, citing confirmation from the association’s lawyer Una Magnea Stefánsdóttir, said claims can currently take up to a year to resolve. EU member states still need to approve the proposals, with a vote expected next week. The timing of their implementation in Iceland remains uncertain.