UK airlines were dealt a blow yesterday when a top European court official said they should compensate passengers whose flights are delayed by three hours or more.
British Airways, easyJet and TUI Travel are challenging a 2009 ruling by the European Court of Justice that passengers who experience lengthy delays should be entitled to the same compensation as those whose flights are cancelled.
However, advocate-general to the court, Yves Bot, said the airlines had not brought any new evidence to challenge the original ruling, which he said should stand.
His opinion does not constitute a final decision, but the European Court of Justice often rules in line with the advocate-general’s recommendations.
Bot ruled in March that Ryanair must cover the costs of a passenger stranded by the volcanic ash cloud over Europe in 2010. See the original story here.
TUI said Bot’s opinion regarding delay compensation may or may not be followed by the Court. "We look forward to receiving the judgement of the full Court when it has reached its decision, probably later this year," said a spokesman.
BA said the ruling in 2009 had come under criticism from many parties. "We also believe the ruling was wrong," said a spokesman for the airline.
By Linsey McNeill
