EU Court Backs Compensation Rights for Air Passengers
Posted on: Wednesday, 11 January 2006, 09:00 CST
EU court backs compensation rights for air passengers
BRUSSELS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The European Court of Justice on Tuesday backed a new European Union law aimed at improving the protection of air passengers' rights.
The law, which will come into force on Feb. 17, 2005, obliges airlines to provide food, shelter and compensation for passengers stranded by boarding denials, flight delays and cancellations.
The legislation had been challenged by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which has 270 members worldwide, and the European Low Fares Airline Association.
They complained that the law was too costly for them and claimed the rules infringe international agreements, breach legal principles and give unfair advantages to other forms of transport.
But the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice maintained the validity of the law and rebuffed the airlines' attempt to block its introduction.
According to the law, delays of two to four hours will require airlines to serve meals and refreshments, as well as a hotel room if necessary. A refund will have to be paid if the delay is over five hours.
By boarding denials, airlines are obliged to pay passengers up to 600 euros (725 dollars) while with flight cancellations, the operator has to give a refund or provide alternative transport.
"This is very good news for European citizens," Jacques Barrot, European Commission Vice-President in charge of transport, said in a statement.
The European Commission said it will publish this year a report on the implementation of the law.
Source: Xinhua News Agency - CEIS
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