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Last year there were more than 244 million delayed passengers across Europe. Lost luggage, long waiting times and flight cancellations put many travelers to the test. Tomasz Pawliszyn, head of the world's largest organization for air passenger rights, continues to expect chaotic conditions at European airports.
“Although numerous skilled workers are missing, airlines are trying to normalize their air traffic. During the pandemic, many people in the aviation industry lost their jobs and relocated - these workers are now missing. Although the passenger volume is not quite as high as in the pre-crisis year 2019, the shortage of skilled workers is and remains a major problem in air traffic. We cannot assume that the situation will improve in the coming months.
Many passengers do not know what claims they can assert in the event of delays and cancellations. We are aware that airports and airlines are under pressure. Nevertheless, they must be responsible for the disturbances themselves. Our job as a passenger rights organization is to inform affected passengers about their passenger rights and to help them enforce them.”
Further strikes and protests are also expected
“Not only the shortage of staff, but also strikes and protests are increasingly affecting air traffic processes. Last year, Germany was one of the top 3 countries in Europe with the most flight disruptions. There were five strikes in total and the new year started with another one at Berlin Airport. In addition, there were protests by the climate movement “Last Generation” in 2022, which also resulted in restrictions. Here, too, we do not expect any decrease in protest actions.”
Passengers have these rights according to EC 261
Cancellations and delays can entitle you to compensation payments of up to 600 euros per passenger. The amount of the payment is calculated from the length of the flight route. The rightful claim for compensation depends on the actual length of the delay at the destination and the reason for the canceled or delayed flight. Affected passengers can assert their claim for compensation retrospectively up to three years after their flight date.
Extraordinary circumstances such as storms or medical emergencies can result in the operating airline being released from the obligation to compensate. Both announced and unannounced strikes are not included.
