AIR PASSENGER RIGHTS & COMPENSATION FOR FLIGHT DELAYS

The unprecedented delays experienced by European air travellers in recent days has focussed attention on passenger rights. On 11th February 2004, the European Parliament established common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delays of flights. These rules are referred to as Regulation No 261 and came into force on 17th February 2005. While I have every sympathy for stranded passengers, the legislation really does place a disproportionate burden on airlines, particularly when European airspace is shut down for consecutive days. Those who wish to access the relevant legislation can click here