Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
952. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to ensure that persons do not lose out financially if a no travel advisory is issued in cases in which airlines do not cancel fights; his views on whether persons requested to adhere to the advice should not be punished financially with the cost of forgone flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5554/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe law is clear in circumstances where an airline cancels a flight - for whatever reason - that all passengers booked on that flight who seek it are entitled to a full cash refund within 7 days. That provision is set out in EU Regulation 261 (2004). Notwithstanding the contraints arising from the COVID pandemic, a small number of flights are continuing to be operated. Where a flight takes place there is nothing in the law that entitles a passenger to a refund from an airline.
My understanding is that the current practice of the two main Irish airlines serving the Irish market is to offer the opportunity to rebook a flight for later in the year or receive a voucher. I am not aware that people are losing out entirely in these circumstances.
