Budapest government responds to flight delays following airport chaos

During the peak tourist season, the Government Office of the capital Budapest is particularly concerned about ensuring that airlines comply with the rules regarding flight delays and cancellations. To this end, the Government Office would like to inform passengers of their rights in the event of a cancellation or significant delay of at least 2 hours, regardless of the reason for the delay or cancellation, reports Vilaggazdaság.

In the event of cancellation, passengers will be entitled to a refund if they are unable to travel or rebook their original destination on the nearest or later flight that is convenient for the traveller. They added: If the passenger chooses to rebook, the airline must provide

• food and refreshments in a reasonable proportion to the waiting time (catering obligation), and
• where a stay of one or more nights is necessary, provide accommodation for the passenger,
• or transfer from and to the accommodation to the airport (assistance obligation).

The Government Office stressed that if the flight cancellation is not caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as technical failure or strike by airline staff,

Passengers may be entitled to compensation of EUR 250, EUR 400 or EUR 600, depending on the duration of the flight.

Examples of extraordinary circumstances include:

• dangerous weather conditions for flight,
• air traffic control decisions,
• Flight cancellation due to collision with flock of birds.

The Government Office confirms that in the event of a significant delay in departure, airlines have a duty to provide provisions (meals and refreshments in reasonable proportions) and assistance (accommodation, transfers). If the flight’s departure is delayed by more than 5 hours, they must offer a refund of the ticket price (if the passenger’s interest in travelling has ceased). They stress:

Airlines must always pay particular attention to the needs of passengers with reduced mobility and those accompanying them, as well as unaccompanied children.

Officials wish to draw passengers’ attention to the fact that if the airline is unable to meet its obligation to provide care and assistance, they should request an invoice for all costs incurred during the wait and ask the airline to reimburse them for reasonable costs justified by the invoice.

If passengers arrive at their final destination with a significant delay (more than 3 hours), except in exceptional circumstances, they may also be entitled to compensation of EUR 250, EUR 400 or EUR 600, depending on the duration of the flight.

It is important that airlines inform passengers of their rights in the event of a significant flight delay or cancellation.

If the company does not respond to passengers’ requests or refuses to do so, they can seek redress from the consumer protection authority.

Via Vilaggazdasag; Featured image via Pixabay