If flights are cancelled during the summer due to severe fuel shortages, passengers may not be entitled to financial compensation, European Commissioner for Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas explained after a meeting with transport ministers from the 27 EU countries.
Under European rules that protect passengers, in exceptional cases – such as the inability to refuel planes – airlines are not required to pay additional compensation. They must only offer a refund of the ticket, an alternative flight or assistance at the airport.
The fuel shortage alert is linked to international tensions and the potential blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for the supply of oil and aviation fuel. This could affect flight departures in the coming months if supplies do not return to normal.
However, Tzitzikostas tried to reassure tourists, stating that Europe is ready to welcome visitors this summer and that the continent remains the number one tourist destination in the world.
Under EU rules, passengers have the right to choose between a refund or an alternative flight in the event of cancellation. If they choose to reschedule their trip, the company must also guarantee free assistance, such as food, drinks and, if necessary, hotel accommodation with transport to and from the airport.
But the right to financial compensation does not apply when the cancellation is due to "extraordinary circumstances", such as fuel shortages or other unforeseeable situations beyond the control of the airline.
