Travelers Complaints Increase in 2008

The Civil Aviation Authority saw an 18 percent increase in traveler complaints in 2008 against airlines that violated EU rules on passenger rights.

From January to December 2008, the Civil Aviation Authority complaint desk received 644 complaints of which 451 were related to unjustified flight delays/cancellations and denied boarding due to overbooking, while the remaining number was in regards to baggage loss or damage.

In 2007, for the same 12-month period, the complaint desk had received 546 similar grievances, which shows an 18 percent increase.

The Civil Aviation Authority has already ruled in favor of 490 passenger cases (76 percent of complaints) while the rest are in the process of a final solution.

Seven airlines have already been fined as they did not comply with the community regulation 261/2004, which foresees that airline companies are obliged to pay compensation and provide assistance (hotel accommodation, meals, etc.) to travelers in cases where unjustified flight delays and cancellations occur.

The airline must also assume the responsibility for lost or damaged passenger luggage.

The authority advises travelers that have suffered an inconvenience to appeal to the relevant office (tel: 210 – 891 6150, fax: 891 6193).

Travelers may also contact the office of the airport authority within all airports in the country.