ERA renews attack on EU261

The European directive EU261 setting out rules for compensation to passengers affected by cancellations and delays for more than 3hr is uncompetitive and unfair, the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) said last week.

A study of the directive by the association concluded EU261 had been extremely controversial, represented a considerable burden for carriers and had a negative impact on aviation safety.

The ERA paper has been published to complement the current review being conducted by the Steer Group on behalf on the EU, as the association says this does not recognise regional carriers and will not provide a proper, full evaluation.

The study lists risks surrounding EU261 including losing connectivity and interlining; regional and small airlines disappearing; services to remote regions in jeopardy; damage to some national economies, and concerns about safety.

ERA director-general Montserrat Barriga said: “EU261 is putting an unbearable financial burden on small to medium-sized airlines that operate on very low margins, have lower average ticket prices, tighter schedules and smaller teams to deal with claims and legal and administrative procedures and costs.”

www.eraa.org

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