French Consumer Group Opens Procedure Against 20 Airlines Over Canceled Tickets

By Olivia Bugault

French consumer-defense group UFC-Que Choisir said Tuesday that it is bringing a case against 20 airlines before the Paris Court of Justice for refusing in some instances to propose a possible reimbursement to passengers whose flights have been canceled.

The airlines targeted by UFC-Que Choisir include Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Ryanair Holdings PLC and Emirates Airline, the association said.

European regulations stipulate that airlines have to offer the choice to consumers between a refund for the canceled flight or a voucher, UFC-Que Choisir said in its statement. The association had previously given formal notice to 57 airlines, urging them to respect passengers' rights.

Travel restrictions world-wide caused by the coronavirus pandemic have triggered a collapse in air travel, with airlines forced to ground the majority of their fleets. In order to secure their liquidity, many carriers decided to offer vouchers in exchange for canceled flights but didn't offer refunds.

UFC-Que Choisir specified that its only goal is to force airlines to comply with the law and that it isn't asking for additional financial compensation.

Write to Olivia Bugault at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 19, 2020 09:36 ET (13:36 GMT)

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