The security situation in Israel has led to challenges for package travel organizers, who are being forced to cancel booked trips due to the instability and travel warnings issued by several countries, according to the European tour operators body ECTAA.
Package travel organizers are facing difficulties in reimbursing customers because airlines often cancel flights at short notice based on safety concerns, while organizers have to cancel trips based on their inability to fulfil contractual obligations for the entire travel program.
Once a package is cancelled, customers are entitled to a refund within 14 days according to the Package Travel Directive, but the timely recovery of funds from service suppliers, such as airlines, is crucial for organizers to fulfil their obligations.
Some airlines are offering vouchers instead of cash refunds for cancelled flights, creating a challenge for package travel organizers. An obligation to refund should also apply to service providers holding prepayments, including the air transport segment, to ensure timely refunds.
Amendments within the Package Travel Directive and Air Passenger Rights Regulation are needed to better harmonize the refund process and protect travellers.
Frank Oostdam, President of ECTAA, highlights the need for harmonisation between the Package Travel Directive and the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation to effectively protect travellers, and calls for this to be a priority in upcoming revisions.
