Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
150. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans with regard to the ongoing difficulties that customers are facing with airlines when acquiring refunds for flights that have not taken off or cancelled travel due to Government regulations or health advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10487/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is no doubt aware, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passengers in instances of flight cancellations. Under the Regulation, if an airline cancels a flight then customers are entitled to a full cash refund within 7 days.
Mindful of the position that Government has taken in relation to international travel in the interests of public health, the issue of consumer rights has been high on my agenda since taking Office. I have raised the matter of customer refunds with our main airlines over the past number of months, and it is understood that the backlogs have been prioritised and that most refunds have now been processed. As it now seems likely that Summer 2021 is also going to be adversely affected from a travel and holiday perspective, the Deputy can be assured that the same message around the need to comply fully with consumer rights as covered in EU law will be conveyed again.
I would encourage anyone who having already corresponded with the airline continues to have difficulties securing a refund contact the Commission for Aviation Regulation. Further advice, is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie.
