Which? comments as Airlines UK signals support for increased CAA powers

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: "Travellers have often been treated appallingly by airlines, with operators routinely ignoring their legal obligations on refunds during the pandemic and requirements to look after passengers, reroute them or pay compensation during the chaos at UK airports earlier this year. "Which? has led the campaign for reform of long-standing flaws in a system where regulators have no meaningful powers to crack down on airlines that flout the law. "It's vital that the government moves forward urgently with plans to enhance the Civil Aviation Authority's powers, including the ability to directly fine airlines. The regulator must be prepared to use these powers to send a clear message that breaching consumer law will not be tolerated." -ENDS- Notes to editors:

Hundreds of travellers have been in touch with Which? to share their stories of travel disruption this year. Which? is currently campaigning to and at the time of writing, over 43,000 people have signed the consumer champion's petition to the Secretary of State for Transport demanding urgent action. Please find a link to view it
The consumer champion is calling for: Enforcement - The CAA should be doing more by holding airlines to account proactively. It also needs direct powers to monitor and fine airlines when they flout the rules. Resolution - We need a dispute resolution system that is mandatory for all airlines flying to and from the UK so travellers don't have to go to the small claims court to enforce their rights. Compensation - We need to protect passengers' rights to redress when airlines are at fault for delays and cancellations. Proposals to slash pay-outs for domestic flights must be dropped.