- 33pc of passengers were unsure about their rights and 14pc had no knowledge
- 53pc of people were aware of their passenger rights according to the survey
- Passengers may receive refreshments, meals, accommodation and compensation up to €600
- The IAA secured €1m in compensation for passengers last year
- Survey results emerged during high summer traffic volumes at Irish airports
Almost half of air passengers remain unaware of their rights when flights are delayed or cancelled according to the Irish Aviation Authority. The finding highlights ongoing gaps in passenger knowledge of compensation and assistance entitlements under European rules. The IAA has stressed the need for clearer communication from airlines about available remedies.
A survey conducted by Amárach Research on behalf of the IAA found that 33pc of people were not sure about their rights, while 14pc had no idea. The survey found that 53pc of people were aware of their passenger rights. Passengers on delayed or cancelled flights may be entitled to care such as refreshments, meals and accommodation as well as financial compensation depending on the length of the delay and the distance of the journey.
The authority continues to monitor compliance and encourage travellers to check their entitlements before and during travel disruption. The survey results come amid high summer traffic volumes at Irish airports. Airlines and regulators face continued pressure to improve information provided to passengers at the point of disruption. The IAA secured €1m in compensation for passengers last year. The agency changed their consumer facing website and now processes complaints on the general website. Complaints require a registration process.
Clare Mulcahy shared “If your flight is delayed you are entitled to meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation if necessary, and you may be due compensation up to €600 if your flight is cancelled. Those requirements do not apply where the disruption is out of the control of the airline, for example as a result of bad weather or air traffic control strikes.”
