“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.