The European system for the protection of air passengers not only compensates travelers when their flight is delayed or canceled but also improves the functioning of the air transport system itself.
According to a new study presented in Brussels, the European Regulation CE261 prevents each year the equivalent of 8,400 accumulated years of flight delays in Europe, thanks to the incentives it generates for airlines to operate with greater efficiency.
In said regulation, the common rules on compensation and assistance to air passengers were established in case of denied boarding and cancellation or long delay of flights.
The conclusions were announced during a round table organized by the Association of Passenger Rights Advocates (APRA) and Euroconsumers, which brought together European policymakers, independent academics, and representatives of consumer associations in full debate about a possible revision of this community regulation.
This research indicates that flights covered by the Regulation have a significantly lower risk of suffering delays of three hours or more compared to similar flights that are not subject to European regulations. This effect not only benefits passengers, but also modifies the behavior of airlines, incentivizing more efficient planning and a reduction in cancellations and delays. For example, in Europe, the same-day cancellation rate is a 20% lower than in the United States, where an equivalent protection system does not exist.
Furthermore, the total cost of the regulation is relatively low for airlines. Including compensation, assistance, and indemnification costs, the impact per passenger is approximately 1.5 euros, which contradicts the industry's perception that the regulation represents a significant economic burden.
Consumer associations reject the complaints of the airlines
Eric Napoli, of the Association of Passenger Rights Advocates (APRA), rejects industry claims about cost increases suffered by the sector, and warns that they could grow drastically if prolonged delays continue to increase. This is an operational decision that could lead to a 40% increase in disruptions.
For her part, Olivia Brown, head of policies for Euroconsumers, pointed out that, despite the current protection, the disruption usually costs the passenger more than the financial compensation they receive.
The participants, supported by the study's data, also refute the claims of some airlines about high operating costs, and recall that many companies, especially low-cost ones, developed their business model under the current regulation, operating without compromising their profitability.
Weakening lel Regulation would mean a setback in consumer rights, an increase in delays and cancellations, and a risk to Europe's reputation as a global benchmark in passenger protection. A modification of this should be based on solid evidence. Currently, consumer advocacy experts agree that CE261 protects passengers and improves the efficiency of air transport at a reduced cost.