Industry body ERA shared profound disappointment in the guidelines published by the European Commission on EU passenger rights in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak, in a statement published yesterday,
The ERA said that airlines cannot be responsible for unlimited passenger care as a result of government decisions to close borders and described the current coronavirus epidemic as a “a situation of massive proportions that will impact the European economy for decades to come and decisive action is needed now.”
The ERA described the new guidelines on regulation EU261 as demonstrating a “huge lack of understanding by the European Commission, with the guidance intended to reassure passengers that their rights are protected, rather than clear measures to support airlines deeply in need and provide flexibility on the limitation of obligations during this period of crisis”.
“Airlines will still potentially be responsible for unlimited care to passengers who have been stranded as a result of government decisions to close borders. Additionally, the guidance provided no flexibility for airlines to offer rebooking or vouchers in place of refunds,” said the ERA.
Montserrat Barriga, ERA director general, said: “Despite many European airlines already facing enormous financial pressures, the lack of concrete action taken by the European Commission has proven they have ignored the vital urgency of mitigating the effects of this crisis.
Action is needed now if the industry is to survive this catastrophic situation that is likely to change the future of air transport in Europe forever. We need to be thinking both long term and short term. When we are no longer facing these pandemic circumstances, resuming air travel will be vital to help the European economy to recover. Restoring air links and connectivity for Europe’s citizens is essential.”