(27 Jan 2010)
Industrial action took place at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports between 2pm and 6pm on Wednesday last, 20th January 2010. This action resulted in a significant number of flight delays and cancellations. Even though the strike action was outside the control of the air carriers, per EC Regulation 261/ 2004 these still had an obligation to provide care and assistance to the affected passengers.
Passengers whose flights were cancelled as a result of last Wednesday's strike action were entitled to receive the following from their air carrier:
- a refund or an alternative flight to their destination, subject to availability
- access to telephone, fax or e-mail and
- meals, refreshments and accommodation (in reasonable relation to the waiting time) whilst waiting on an alternative flight with the same air carrier.
Similarly those passengers whose flights were significantly delayed due to this strike action, were entitled to receive the following from their air carrier:
- meals and refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time
- access to telephone, fax or e-mail
- hotel accommodation if a stay of one or more nights becomes necessary and
- transport between the airport and place of accommodation where applicable.
In both situations, the air carrier should have provided those passengers affected by the strike with a written notice setting out their rights and entitlements under EC Regulation 261/ 2004.
Where the above assistance was not automatically provided, and passengers were forced to purchase their own food, drinks, accomodation etc, they should submit copies of the associated receipts to their air carrier for reimbursement. The enclosure of copy receipts and other relevant copy documentation such as boarding passes etc facilitates the speedy resolution of claims.
Passengers who remain unclear about their entitlements or who have further queries in relation to same, should contact this Office on 1890 787 787.