IACA points out that the decision of 19 EU governments to close airspace has resulted in unprecedented air traffic disruptions, with disastrous consequences for passengers. Moreover, the magnitude of this chaos has gone way beyond what was envisaged by the scope of the EU passenger rights Regulation 261/2004, which was never conceived to cope with an entire network failure due to a natural catastrophe.

The airline sector, already weakened by the economic crisis, must urgently be compensated for the severe losses incurred.

IACA is concerned that the proposal by the European Commission, announced last week, to allow member states to compensate carriers will not create a level playing field for airlines across Europe. IACA fears that some member states will choose to grant financial compensation, while this support may not be open to airlines in other member states.

In order for compensation to be allocated in a non-discriminatory, fair and transparent manner, IACA proposes to use a mechanism whereby airlines could introduce a claim for compensation to the European Commission and be relieved from their obligations to pay Eurocontrol air navigation charges up to the corresponding amount.

Sylviane Lust, IACA Director General, commented:

“Today should be the end of the rhetoric. The time has come to decide on how to preserve and support the airline industry that lies at the core of the European economy.”

“Only a swift implementation of non-discriminatory compensation would safeguard a level playing field between airlines.”

“IACA's proposal is a straightforward way of ensuring this and we urge European member states to consider this mechanism for financial compensation seriously.”