"The Commission said that "the overall situation remains stable" and at the moment "there is no concrete evidence of fuel shortages". However, jet fuel supply disruptions could occur causing "delays, cancellations, longer travel times and higher prices" for travellers. The guidance, which aims to ensure that the same rules apply across EU Member States, says that travellers affected by cancellations "continue to benefit from air passenger rights," including reimbursement, re-routing or return, assistance at the airport and compensation for last-minute cancellations."
"Under EU rules, for cancellations less than 14 days before the planned departure date, airlines have to pay compensation, unless they can prove that these were caused by "extraordinary circumstances" which could not have been avoided. The Commission said that a local fuel shortage preventing the operation of a flight may be considered an "extraordinary circumstance". However, cancellations caused by high fuel prices cannot be considered so, because fuel prices are "entirely foreseeable", and airlines are free to pass the cost through to the consumer setting higher prices."
""Managing price volatility is a normal part of an airline's business," the Commission argued. "All the cancellations that have been announced for the time being are due to jet fuel prices, not due to shortages," said Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen. Vouchers EU rules state that airlines can provide reimbursement or compensation in money or in the form of a voucher, "if the passenger expressly agrees to it"."
The European Commission clarified EU air passenger rights amid possible travel disruption and potential fuel supply issues linked to conflict in the Middle East. The Commission stated that the overall situation is stable and that there is no concrete evidence of fuel shortages, while noting that jet fuel supply disruptions could still occur. Such disruptions could lead to delays, cancellations, longer travel times, and higher prices. Passengers affected by cancellations continue to benefit from reimbursement, re-routing or return, airport assistance, and compensation for last-minute cancellations. Under EU rules, compensation for cancellations within 14 days can be avoided only if airlines prove extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided. Local fuel shortages may qualify, but cancellations due to high fuel prices do not because fuel prices are foreseeable and airlines can pass costs to consumers. Airlines may offer vouchers only if passengers expressly agree.
#air-passenger-rights #eu-transport-regulation #flight-cancellations #fuel-supply-disruptions #extraordinary-circumstances
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