European Commission`s communication on the enforcement of Passenger Rights confirms that the regulation is badly drafted and has led to confusion for both airlines and passengers, IACA believes. The report gives some useful insights into the impact of the regulation and the many grey areas that have been arisen since its implementation.

It also highlights that in general carriers do comply with the regulation’s provisions. IACA therefore looks forward to a constructive dialogue with the Commission and the National Enforcement Bodies in order to achieve a better understanding of the operational environment in which airlines operate and the factors contributing to irregularities.

IACA particularly welcomes the updated and accurate version of the poster to be used in airports. This follows a success appeal to the European Ombudsman by IACA against the Commission’s first edition of the poster that was inaccurate and misleading. The Ombudsman ruled in favour of IACA earlier this year.

“This report reflects the major practical difficulties in implementing regulation which is based on flawed foundations and without rigorous consultation with the airline industry”, commented Sylviane Lust, Director General of IACA.

She continued, “Although steps are now being put in place to improve this situation, we continue to question why airlines are the only form of transport which faces this type of regulation? We look forward to the day when there is a level playing field across all transport sectors”.