Latest news with #EURegulation261
The Independent
3 days ago
- The Independent
The EU is overhauling air passengers' rights. Here's what you should know
EU Regulation 261 transformed air passenger rights in Europe in 2004, mandating a duty of care and compensation for flight disruptions. Airlines often ignored the rules, leading to an industry of claims handlers who fought for compensation on behalf of passengers. Test cases resulted in rulings such as a three-hour delay warranting the same compensation as a cancellation, and airlines being liable for delays caused by unforeseen events like pilot deaths. The EU is revising the regulation to address anomalies, potentially cutting payouts for many passengers except those on the shortest flights, and increasing the delay time over which compensation is paid. Proposed changes include clearer definitions of "extraordinary circumstances" that excuse airlines from compensation, limiting duty of care to three nights' accommodation, and ensuring passengers can still fly return legs even if they miss the outbound flight.
Wales Online
28-04-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Disruption warning as airport staff go on strike for Bank Holiday weekend
Disruption warning as airport staff go on strike for Bank Holiday weekend Hundreds of employees are to walk out on Friday and Monday Queues at the airport 600 employees in the ground handling and catering sector, as well as in the aircraft repair and maintenance sector, will take part in protest actions on Friday, May 2 and 300 employees who handle passengers, ground handling, and cargo will be going on strike the following Monday. Staff at Finnair, which flies to and from Edinburgh, Manchester and London Heathrow, are striking after unsuccessful negotiations regarding the extension of a collective agreement on wage conditions and the termination of temporary austerity measures. Finnair is Finland's largest airline. It operates regular flights to various countries around the world, including Europe, Asia, North America and the Pacific region. The company is a member of the Oneworld International alliance. In the UK, there are up to six Finnair flights per day between Heathrow and Helsinki. Darina Kovacheva, Head of Legal at airline compensation specialists SkyRefund, said: 'According to EU Regulation 261/2004, the eligibility for compensation for a flight disrupted by strike action depends largely on who calls the strike and how much control the airline has over it. As this strike will involve Finnair employees, if you present yourself on time for check-in with a valid flight reservation and travel documents, and you are denied boarding you might be entitled to € 250 if the distance you are travelling is 1,500 km or less; € 400 for flights of more than 1,500 km within the European Common Aviation Area and all others between 1,500 and 3,500 km, with all other flights of more than 3,500 km eligible for € 600 compensation. Article continues below 'If you're caught up in travel disruptions due to industrial action, regardless of your airline, they must look after you. That means they should provide food and drinks that match the length of your wait, and if you're stuck overnight, they must also cover a hotel stay and transport between the airport and hotel. The timing also matters - you're eligible for this support after a 2-hour delay on short-haul flights, 3 hours on medium-haul flights, and 4 hours on long-haul flights. "But keep in mind, if the airline you are travelling on is not Finnair, and therefore not striking, and you are still affected, you will not be eligible for financial compensation as the delay or cancellation has been caused by 'extraordinary circumstances', for example a strike by airport workers, who don't work for the airline on which you are travelling. Still, it's sensible to hang on to your receipts for any expenses you rack up during the delay.'
