The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) has complained that European Commission (EC) proposals to increase passenger compensation will threaten the survival of regional airlines. At a December 5 meeting in Brussels, European Union transport ministers backed EC plans for new denied-boarding and flight-cancellation compensation. The plan could force carriers to pay for replacement tickets to fly intercontinental travelers back to their home airport, even if only the regional portion of their trip is disrupted.
“Europe’s regional airlines, providing short flights to Europe’s regions at an average fare of E150 ($150), may be required to buy tickets to America or Asia costing E3,000 ($3,000) when flights to regional airports are unable to take off due to poor weather,” according to an ERA statement. “The obligation will force regional airlines to suspend services and to increase fares.”
