“We are asking passengers for help (…), it is true, and we are asking help ‘on our knees’”, affirmed Alexander de Juniac, director general of IATA.
The aerial companies supported by France and other European States, are reimbursing the tickets for cancelled flights “in the forms of credit” or cash refund – if the consumers demand it – but with at least a nine month delay due to the critical financial crisis caused by covid-19 pandemic according to a report by Lusa news agency.
European rules give the passengers the reimbursement right in two weeks.
The airlines position has been strongly criticised by the consumers protection associations.
Meanwhile, Brussels began an infringement procedure against ten countries of the European Union, in early July, to defend the right of travellers’ reimbursement in case of flight cancelling.
“We are still trying to obtain from the European Commission the possibility to postpone the reimbursement”, said De Juniac, recognising that it is a “hard” position and “it is not appreciated by everyone”.
“Why are we asking it? It is not for pleasure. Our activity pretends to please the passengers and not present difficulties and problems, especially financial problems. But (…) the financial situation of the companies is in an apocalyptical situation”, said the IATA’s responsible and former president of the Administration Council of Air France-KLM.
I can understand both sides, but I am worried about airlines that were practically bankrupt before the Corona Crisis (e.g. TAP). Vouchers might be of very little value in the future. The least would be that unused vouchers could be cashed in at a later date. And then there is the case of expensive tickets for flights that are not available by the initial airline and available on another airline.
By John Dough from Lisbon on 16 Jul 2020, 10:23
I had a returned ticket back to Toronto from Bangkok on May 25th wirh EVA AIR. The flight got cancelled and now i think they are not willing to fly me back once they resume flying.
John
By E.John Massoudi from Other on 16 Jul 2020, 14:38
But the airlines are not asking, they're advertising flights that don't fly and then cancelling them but not refunding or offering replacement flights. Royal Jordanian are an example.
I've lost over 700 gbp on these flights, no airline asked me, they just took my money!
I don't see how that's legal
By Karen Mcallister from UK on 17 Jul 2020, 02:21
Are the disruptions to flights and the restrictions applied while flying like wearing masks covered by the breaking of a contract.. Because when flights were purchased no restrictions where in place
By Tracy Hyland from UK on 17 Jul 2020, 10:58