A European Union Transport Ministers’ Council decision to revise the Air Passengers Rights Regulation has been met with criticism from the head of the Federal Association of the German Air Transport Industry (BDL), Joachim Lang.
Lang expressed disappointment that the opportunity to balance consumer protection with the reality of the airline industry had been missed. The BDL is calling on the European Parliament and the European Commission to engage constructively and find practical solutions to the issue. The focus should be on the passengers’ desire to reach their destination quickly, even in the event of disruptions.
According to a YouGov survey commissioned by the BDL, 73% of respondents prefer to reach their destination on the same day, even if it means waiting for compensation payments until a five-hour delay, rather than prioritizing compensation and potentially arriving late. Twenty-one percent of respondents, however, place more value on compensation, even if it means a later arrival.
Lang argued that higher threshold values are in the best interest of consumers, as they would give airlines more time to organize suitable alternative travel options in the event of disruptions. The revision of the Air Passengers Rights Regulation has been a “long-standing drama” and the German government should contribute to a practical solution.