Brussels, 03/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - Following a complaint from a German traveller whose rights under European law were not respected by, and who received no assistance from the airline, the supervisory body or, indeed, the European Commission, the European Ombudsman has opened an investigation into whether air passengers' rights are being effectively implemented.
In autumn 2007, the German traveller wanted to return from Madagascar to Germany, via Paris. The connecting Air France flight was, however, cancelled because of a strike and he had to organise his own trip back. According to the complainant, he did not receive any assistance from Air France and his requests for compensation were rejected by the airline. The complainant then forwarded his case to the responsible supervisory body in France, the French Directorate-General for Civil Aviation (DGAC). When he did not get any replies from the DGAC, he turned to the Commission for help. The Commission replied that it would only intervene if there was enough evidence of systemic problems with the implementation of rules on air passenger rights in a member state. It invited the complainant to keep the Commission informed about his case. After two further e-mails to the Commission remained unanswered, the complainant referred the matter to the Ombudsman. In his complaint, he alleged that the Commission failed to deal properly with his complaint and that it is failing to ensure that the member states give effect to air passenger rights.
Nikiforos Daimendouros has asked the Commission to provide its opinion by 28 February 2009. (O.J./transl.rt)