Do European regulations really protect passengers affected by canceling flights? conversation
In the height of the crisis of the spread of the Coronavirus, European airlines especially canceled hundreds of flights, while bus, ferry and railroad companies also reduced their operating ranges in order to comply with national measures and European guidelines that relate mainly to unnecessary travel restrictions, border closures, and quarantine.
Flights decrease by 80% in Europe
Flights within Europe decreased by 80% and many travelers became stuck in various countries due to the cancellation of their flight due to measures taken by European countries regarding the deadly epidemic. The European Commission, for its part, indicated the need to rely on its guidelines on protecting the rights of travelers in an effort to alleviate the concerns of thousands of travelers and companies affected by the virus.
Adina Valian, European Transport Commissioner:
“When the passenger does not get the service he was paid for, then he must be compensated.” The European official added, “There are other solutions, which are to provide compensation in the form of coupons.” However, offering much compensation leaves the aviation industry under financial pressure.
The European Commissioner for Transport adds:
“We look forward to seeing how we can help airlines cope with the liquidity problems they are experiencing now, and protect passenger rights well..We are ready to take further steps if necessary in order to ensure that the airlines are still alive and ready to restart.” We still hope that there will also be a summer season for tourism that relies heavily on airline travel. “
The meaning of force majeure
The traveler whose flight was canceled under the force majeure has benefited from a “compensation voucher” .. the traveler must agree to receive it, “Adina Valian says, but the European Commissioner for Transport has not provided details of the aforementioned voucher amount.
Forms of compensation for those affected
However, companies do not seem to agree. In a statement to euronews, Airlines 4 Europe said that the committee seems to reduce the crisis experienced by airlines in Europe. According to the International Air Transport Agency, European airlines can submit a € 9 billion payment bill for May.
Europe Airlines, which represents 16 airlines, said in a statement that the current situation could have serious implications for the medium-term companies. She added that the member states of the Union and the national authorities should view positively the voucher system as an immediate alternative to payment and as an exceptional and temporary measure.
Karima Dele, chair of the European Parliament’s Transport Committee, insists on compliance with European legislation: “Member states must provide for exceptional measures for the benefit of those in need. Companies must implement regulations in their own right … I call on all actors to act responsibly in times of crisis.”
