Press Release: Ombudsman investigates Commission over air passenger rights

The European Ombudsman, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, opened an investigation into whether the European Commission was fulfilling its responsibility to ensure that EU rules on air passenger rights are properly applied in the Member States. This followed a complaint from a German traveller, whose Air France flight was cancelled. He claimed that he received no assistance or compensation from Air France and that the responsible French supervisory body also failed to help him.

The complainant turned to the Commission but was not satisfied with its response. In his complaint to the Ombudsman, the German citizen alleged that the Commission was failing to ensure that EU Member States are properly applying the rules on compensation and assistance to passengers, in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights.