ECA has launched a report claiming air passenger rights during COVID-19 were not protected and that European airlines have abused state aid. The reality is that most airlines – particularly small to medium-sized operators – have not received any state aid during the pandemic, but still refunded passenger tickets in accordance with the regulation and incentivised the use of vouchers due to their shortage of cash.
The ECA asserts that European airlines received billions of euros in state aid – a statement that can be considered a huge generalisation. Whilst state aid was provided to some flagship carriers to allow them to continue operating, many of ERA’s airline members (small to medium-sized operators) were not granted this same benefit and have continued to face serious liquidity problems throughout COVID-19 and during the ongoing recovery period.
ERA strongly believes the global pandemic to be an extraordinary circumstance under regulation EU261 given its scale and the effects on society. Despite the unprecedented situation airlines have found themselves in, the majority of operators have made every effort to continue providing high-quality customer service, of which in some cases included providing vouchers.
Montserrat Barriga, ERA Director General, says: “This Special Report by the ECA is an unfair representation of European airlines and casts blanketed aspersions on an industry already extremely damaged by the COVID crisis. Many airlines continue to work tirelessly to survive whilst reorganising their fleet, staff and operations, and whilst having to still adapt to extremely low revenue levels. They are now being challenged regarding their handling of passenger rights during a global pandemic, something that can surely only be described as an extraordinary circumstance – a situation that was not anticipated.
“ERA would like to highlight the essential air services provided by airlines during the pandemic, and the role of European aviation, during the worst months of COVID and the recovery period to protect jobs, competition, consumer choice and regional development. Europe’s diverse range of airline operators provide a broad range of services for consumers including essential regional connectivity and vital air links. It is of the utmost importance that our industry is supported so we can start to rebuild our sector following the worst crisis in our industry’s history.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
