I propose to take Questions Nos. 721 and 726 together.
As things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passenger in instances of flight cancellations . 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, without further charge.
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 restrictions 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 I will raise directly with the two main Irish airlines at the earliest opportunity. In looking to the future recovery, seeking ways to rebuild consumer confidence will be integral to initiating and indeed sustaining any future recovery for all parts of the aviation sector including the airlines.
