Two Irish travel agents, Rugby Travel Ireland and Stein Travel, are seeking over €220,000 from Maleth Aero, owned by Chicago-based AELF, after fans were stranded in Bordeaux following a World Cup match against Romania in September 2023.
An earthquake in Morocco reportedly caused mechanical issues for the airline, resulting in delayed flights scheduled for September 10.
Passengers incurred extra expenses for food, accommodation, and transport due to the disruption of their travel plans.
After further delays, the travel agencies announced that customers would need to arrange their own return to Ireland, prompting the hiring of another aircraft at considerable cost.
The claim asserts that Maleth Aero failed to indemnify the travel agents and neglected compensation obligations under EU regulations.
Stein Travel informed its customers that they would have to make their own way back to Ireland.
The French broker ultimately had to hire another aircraft at a cost of almost €44,000 to bring remaining passengers home.
The claim stated: “Maleth Aero informed the French broker that the earthquake in Morocco had a ‘notable impact on its schedule. As a result of the delayed flight, the claimants’ customers were required to incur additional costs for food, overnight accommodation and transport between the airport and the hotels.”
