Passenger rights: Auditors present report

The collapse of the airline industry had a dramatic impact on travelers worldwide.

A new report by the EU Court of Auditors deals with the extent to which the rights of passengers have been preserved.

Brussels - The European Court of Auditors today publishes a report on air passenger rights during the pandemic.

The crisis made it clear that passengers are not as well informed about their rights as they should.

Corona also had a significant impact on the airlines' finances.

Among other things, travelers have been reimbursed more than nine billion euros for tickets sold but not used.

In their report, the auditors assess whether the rights of EU air travelers were effectively protected in the first year of the pandemic.

They also investigate how airlines have received state aid.

The EU Commission has already published a list of demands on the airlines.

In her opinion, it should be easier in the future for customers to get their money back in the event of canceled flights.

Look to coming crises

In addition, new rules are being considered with a view to future crises, said Transport Commissioner Adina Valean.

According to the commission, a decision was made on the catalog of demands after numerous complaints from consumers.

It does not contain any binding specifications.

The EU Commission did not mention the report of the Court of Auditors announced for today in its announcements on Monday.

But since it is already clear that the report also addresses billions in aid for the aviation industry, one can assume that the EU Commission will also be the subject of the report.

It approved the state aid and checked whether it complied with European competition law.

dpa