CAR News Archive

Strike action currently being taken by air traffic controllers in France is impacting on the travel plans of many Irish passengers.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation would like to remind affected passengers of their rights and entitlements under EC Regulation 261/2004.

Passengers who are scheduled to travel on flights that are cancelled or delayed as a direct result of strike action have significant rights and entitlements under EC Regulation No. 261/ 2004.

This Regulation states that where a flight is cancelled with no prior notice, passengers are entitled to:

• be informed of their legal rights under the Regulation by the airline;
• access to telephone, fax, telex or other forms of communication;

and the choice between the following the following three options:

• an alternative flight to their destination at the earliest opportunity;
• an alternative flight at a later date at the passengers convenience (subject to availability); or
• a refund of the cost of the unused flight ticket.

Where a passenger chooses the first option (a flight as soon as possible) the air carrier is obliged to provide food, refreshments and accommodation (if necessary and in reasonable relation to the waiting time) while waiting on an alternative flight*.

The Regulation also states that where a flight is delayed for certain prescribed timeframes (i.e. at least 2 hours for short haul flights and 3 hours for medium haul flights), passengers are entitled to:

• be informed of their legal entitlements by the airline;
• food and refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time*;
• two phone calls, telex or fax messages, or emails;
• accommodation if a stay of one or more nights becomes necessary*;
• transport between the airport and place of accommodation.

It is important to note that these rights and entitlements apply even though the flight cancellation/ long delay was the result of strike action.

For more comprehensive information regarding your rights and entitlements under EC Regulation No. 261/ 2004 please click here. Alternatively please contact us on 1890 787 787.