Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
943. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if financial support will be provided for those that had paid for flights which have not been cancelled but which cannot be used due to travel advice concerning Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9210/20]
View answerAs things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passenger in instances of cancellations and other scenarios, including long delays. However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer either cancels or does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law. I understand, however, that the current practice of the two main Irish airlines serving the Irish market in instances where flights are not cancelled, and having regard to the Covid-19 travel restrictions, is to offer their customers the opportunity to rebook a flight for later in the year or to receive a voucher. In some instances airlines are waiving charges on rebooking and offering additional incentives such as extra value on vouchers.
Clearly the existing consumer protections and legal obligations on airlines and the broader travel sector did not envisage the current circumstances of mass cancellations and stringent travel restictions across the Globe. That has, not surprisingly, put the entire system under immense pressure and it is causing real difficulties for people and businesses.
I am mindful that the options put forward by airlines may not be fair or workable for customers in all instances, and it is something that my Department is raising with the industry.
