Several European airlines have agreed to refund the money owed to passengers whose flights were cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following discussions with the European Commission, the airlines Aegean Airlines, Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Easyjet, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Ryanair, TAP, Vueling, and Wizz Air have agreed to refund the remaining amounts owed on time, to better inform their passengers regarding flights cancelled by the companies, and to offer vouchers only when passengers expressly opt for this alternative.
National authorities in EU member states are responsible for implementing EU consumer protection legislation. The European Commission emphasized that this is the largest action ever launched in the history of the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network and the first action based on an alert issued by the Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines are involved in the refund agreement?The agreement includes 16 major airlines, such as Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, among others.
Can I still receive a voucher instead of a cash refund?Yes, but airlines can only provide vouchers if the passenger explicitly chooses that option over a monetary refund.
Who ensures that these airlines follow through with the refunds?National authorities in EU member states are responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws and monitoring the implementation of this agreement.