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 cancellations. Under that Regulation an airline has 7 days to make a cash refund to its customers when it cancels a flight.
The matter of customer refunds has been raised by my colleague the Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton, T.D., with both Aer Lingus and Ryanair, and it is understood that backlogs have been prioritised and that most refunds have now been processed. I am aware that the Commission for Aviation Regulation, which is responsible for enforcement in this area, has also been engaging with all airlines on this matter.
Anyone who continues to have difficulties securing a refund should contact the Commission for Aviation Regulation. Further advice is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie.