The EDV union representing French tour operators protested Monday against the “
refusal of reimbursement of certain airlines
” for canceled flights and organized itself to help its members to initiate litigation.
"
This situation places travel professionals in a very difficult situation when they themselves are required to reimburse their customers,
" said a press release from the Travel Companies (EDV).
Read also: Are airlines obliged to refund tickets for canceled flights?
“
Despite our representations to the DGAC (general directorate of civil aviation) and IATA (International Air Transport Association), we can unfortunately only note their inaction.
Today, it appears that only litigation can force recalcitrant airlines to make the reimbursements to which they are legally bound,
”he explains.
"
Travel Companies, as a professional union, does not have the legal standing to act directly against these companies
", but the organization has worked in partnership with Equinoxe Avocats, to support its members and "
limit costs as much as possible. justice to advance
”.
"
The final objective is a blank operation for each file with the conviction of the airline company to bear at least the costs incurred by the professional, in addition to the reimbursement of the price of air tickets improperly kept
”, develops the union.
Strongly shaken by the massive flight cancellations caused by the pandemic, a number of airlines, supported by France and several other European states, are refunding tickets for canceled flights only "
in the form of assets
" while promising a cash refund, if consumers demand it, but with at least nine months of delay in order to preserve their finances damaged by the crisis.
European rules, however, give passengers the right to a refund within two weeks.