European Regional Airlines demand revamp of outdated EU passenger rights

Friday, December 1, 2023

The implementation of the Passenger Mobility Package marks progress in updating relevant regulations, but more comprehensive measures are required to bring clarity for both airlines and consumers.

ERA acknowledges positive developments, such as enhanced information transfer between airlines and intermediaries, ensuring passengers’ contact details are provided to airlines. This addresses previous issues of passengers not being informed of cancellations or delays by travel agents. Notably, a ‘single point of contact’ is mandated for assisting PRMs transferring between transport modes, and rules regarding PRM accompanying persons have been adjusted.

However, the requirement for airlines to publish reports on their handling of passenger rights, along with new obligations for multimodal journeys, adds administrative burdens. The Package also introduces changes to the Package Travel Directive (PTD), limiting downpayments for organizers to 25%, posing a risk to various stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem.

ERA emphasizes the need for careful consideration of airlines’ input in recent European Parliament developments, aiming for a balanced economic circle in package travel services. While ERA member airlines strongly support passenger rights, greater clarity is essential for effective implementation.

A fair level playing field across transport modes and the right of redress for uncontrollable delays are crucial. Addressing issues with Regulation EU261, one of the least clear and most litigated regulations in European law, is timely. The urgent revision of the air passenger rights framework, last updated in 2013, is highlighted. Proposals should reopen negotiations, clarifying basic rules, defining extraordinary circumstances, and specifying situations for compensation.

Montserrat Barriga, ERA’s Director General, underscores the pressing need to revise outdated passenger rights legislation in Europe. The current framework, particularly regarding extraordinary circumstances, requires legislative clarity rather than inconsistent judicial interpretations. Barriga emphasizes the importance of incorporating airline input to ensure the regulation aligns with the modern air transport industry.

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