New rules for flight delays: what has changed since March 1, 2026

      With the long-awaited vacation season beginning, thousands of travelers are heading towards adventures, dreaming of gentle seas and warm sands. However, the path to relaxation is not always smooth, and one of the most common inconveniences on the road is flight delays. Long waits at the airport can overshadow the start of a journey and disrupt carefully laid plans.

      As of March 1, 2026, updated airline regulations have come into effect, significantly strengthening the position of passengers. Legislation is stepping up to protect consumer rights, making the process of obtaining compensation and services more transparent and accessible. To ensure that an involuntary pause in travel does not turn into a disaster, and that consumers can confidently defend their interests, it is important to know the new algorithm of actions. Knowledge is power that will help save nerves, time, and money.

      Right to a refund. If a flight is delayed by more than 30 minutes, you can refuse the transportation and get a full refund of the ticket price, even if it was a "non-refundable" ticket. To do this, you need to formalize the refusal where you purchased the ticket (from the carrier or agent).

      Free services. While waiting for departure, passengers are entitled to drinks after 2 hours and hot meals after 4 hours. In case of a long delay during the day (from 8 hours) or at night (from 6 hours), the airline is obliged to provide a hotel and transfer to it. Families with children under 7 years old must always be provided access to the mother and child room.

      Penalties for delays. In addition to a refund, you can demand a penalty of 100 rubles for each hour of delay, but not more than half the ticket price. The exception is force majeure or the elimination of a security threat.

      Compensation for losses. If you incurred additional expenses due to the delay (for example, a tour was canceled), you can also claim these from the airline by submitting a written complaint with receipts and confirmation of the delay.

      More news about the event:

      New rules for flight delays: what has changed since March 1, 2026

      With the long-awaited vacation season beginning, thousands of travelers are heading towards adventures, dreaming of gentle seas and warm sands. 12:11 18.06.2026 Menzelya - Menzelinsk

      New rules for flight delays: what has changed since March 1, 2026

      With the long-awaited vacation season beginning, thousands of travelers are heading towards adventures, dreaming of gentle seas and warm sands. 11:23 18.06.2026 Mamadyshsky District - Mamadysh

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      "Up to 60 thousand for 3 hours of delay": new rules for air passengers announced

      Anna Salnikova Editor of the news feed

      The European Commission and regulatory bodies of the European Union have approved updates to the rules protecting the rights of air passengers after lengthy negotiations, reports Turprom. 14:55 18.06.2026 Pro Gorod Perm - Perm

      "Up to 60 thousand for three hours of delay": what new rules threaten air passengers

      Evgeny Zhegulev Author of the article

      photo: magnific

      The European Commission introduces new rules to protect the rights of air passengers

      The European Commission has approved new provisions aimed at protecting passenger rights in air transportation. 12:47 18.06.2026 ProGorodSamara.Ru - Samara

      Yekaterinburg airport reported disruptions in flights to the capital

      At Yekaterinburg Koltsovo airport, there are delays and cancellations of flights heading to Moscow. 10:34 18.06.2026 Rakurs 32 - Bryansk

      Mass flight delays at Tolmachevo airport

      Photo: Sib.fm Subscribe to the Telegram channel

      On June 18, mass flight delays were recorded at Novosibirsk Tolmachevo airport. 11:53 18.06.2026 Sib.fm - Novosibirsk

      Flight delays in Murmansk, one canceled

      Passengers were warned about mass flight delays, one flight was canceled.

      The Moscow flight scheduled for 09:45 has been canceled, and departures for flights to St. Petersburg at 09:20 and to Moscow at 21:40 are delayed. 09:46 18.06.2026 TV-21 - Murmansk

      "No seats left." Muscovites stranded at Yaroslavl airport due to two "Carpets" — video

      The prosecutor's office ensured that people were rescued from "air captivity" and taken out by buses

      Passengers flying to Moscow made an emergency landing in Yaroslavl and were stranded at the local airport due to two "Carpets" for almost a day. 19:26 17.06.2026 76.Ru - Yaroslavl

      The transport prosecutor's office is monitoring flight delays at Novosibirsk airport

      Mass delays of several flights occurred at Novosibirsk Tolmachevo airport. 16:42 17.06.2026 IA Public News Service - Moscow

      At the request of the transport prosecutor's office, the airline refunded the full cost of tickets for the canceled flight

      In accordance with the instruction of the Attorney General of Russia Alexander Gutsan to take a set of measures to protect the rights of air passengers, the Volga Transport Prosecutor's Office conducted an inspection of compliance with consumer rights in aviation services. 11:30 16.06.2026 Volga Transport Prosecutor's Office - Nizhny Novgorod