The European Commission has made a point in new guidelines for the bloc’s transport and tourism sectors that airlines must not raise prices after ticket sales or refuse to pay compensation for cancelled flights due to rising fuel costs.
The new rules were adopted in response to disruptions to fuel supply chains and the closure of several sea and air routes. EC spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said on May 8 that the new guidelines are aimed at supporting the EU’s transport and tourism sectors during a military crisis in the Middle East, with a focus on aviation.
However, the guidelines are not only about support, but also clarify existing rules on passenger rights, refuelling, fuel surcharges and public services.
German airline Lufthansa has already temporarily canceled more than 20,000 short-haul flights until the end of October, hoping to save more than 40,000 tons of fuel. Other airlines have also made similar decisions.
Consulting firm Energy Aspects estimates that if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened, European aviation fuel stocks will fall by 230,000 barrels a day this quarter. However,
the EC has pointed out that airlines cancel flights mainly because of fuel prices, not because of a shortage.
Consequently, airlines will only be allowed to refuse compensation if flights are canceled due to a real shortage of fuel, not because its price has increased. Airlines must also comply with EU rules on flight cancellations, which means informing passengers in good time and offering another flight or alternative travel options.
The Commission warned airlines not to change the price of tickets once they have been purchased and to charge a surcharge – this is an unfair commercial practice under EU law.
The guidelines stipulate that tour operators can increase the price of a travel package by up to 8% without the consent of travellers, if this is stipulated in the contract and is directly linked to an increase in fuel prices. If the price increase exceeds 8%, the traveller can terminate the contract without penalty.
The EC has agreed to allow airlines to also use Jet-A aviation fuel, which is commonly used in the US and differs from the European standard Jet-A1.
Read the full article in English here: https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2926167/eu-guidelines-airlines-can-t-raise-ticket-prices-after-sale-or-refuse-compensations
Read also: Lufthansa cancels 20,000 summer flights