Several EU Member States will ask the European Commission to temporarily suspend legislation that guarantees airline passengers refunds in case their flight is cancelled.
In a joint statement, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czhech Republic, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, Poland, and Portugal, claimed that the coronavirus pandemic had had an “unprecedented impact” on air travel, and airlines are now facing serious cash flow difficulties.
The statement proposes an amendment to Regulation 261/2004 that would allow airlines to choose how passengers will be reimbursed. This would help airlines who would then be able to offer long-term vouchers instead of refunds to passengers.
However, yesterday, the head of the European Consumer Organisation Monique Goyens spoke out against imposed vouchers, stating that the coronavirus pandemic has also put consumers under enormous financial strain. She added that governments should not force consumers to bail out the travel industry.
