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Travel firms urge PM to beef up CAA enforcement powers
A host off travel businesses along with consumer champion Which? have again called for regulator CAA to be given stronger powers to fine airlines.
In a letter to the PM, 10 leading travel businesses want airlines to take their legal responsibilities seriously or face swift action.
The letter from Which? was co-signed by AITO, loveholidays, On The Beach and Thomas Cook among others.
Holidaymakers are often abandoned and left out of pocket during disruption as carriers ignore their legal obligations.
Wildfires across Europe have made disruption more likely.
Which? says flight delays have become endemic, with almost a third (32%) of flights delayed or cancelled in the first five months of this year.
It says airlines have a commitment to quickly reroute passengers or refund when their flight is cancelled.
They should also provide the necessary assistance which can include accommodation or meals depending on the delay.
The Department for Transport and an independent review of the CAA proposed stronger enforcement powers for the CAA.
However, the government has so far failed to announce when legislation will be brought forward.
Which? wants to see an undertaking in the upcoming Kings Speech.
Last month, the CAA announced it would finally be taking enforcement action against Wizz Air, after months of complaints over refunds and compensation.
Which? and the travel firms want the PM to act now to give the CAA stronger powers.
Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: “Thousands of passengers have been subjected to unfair and in some cases unlawful treatment by airlines.”
“We’re calling on the PM to show he is on the side of holidaymakers by giving the aviation regulator the power to issue substantial fines.”
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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