Dickson Concerned for Consumers Over Flight Delay & Cancellation Compensation Proposals

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has highlighted serious concerns regarding proposed changes to delay and cancellation compensation for domestic flights that could have profound consequences and adverse effects for consumers in Northern Ireland.

Mr Dickson said: “Under the current rules, passengers are entitled to a minimum of £220 in compensation for a delay of more than three hours or a cancellation within 14 days of departure. Considering the level of inconvenience such delays and cancellations cause, this seems a fair penalty for airlines causing disruption.

“However, under proposed new rules - which initially will apply to domestic flights only - this will be reduced significantly to merely the cost of the ticket”.

Which? has calculated that if the destination is Belfast, the average compensation will be limited to £55 (or £165 less than current rules).

Mr Dickson concluded: “If these proposed changes come into effect, airlines will benefit from significantly reduced financial penalties for causing disruption. For consumers, the removal of this important deterrent will see increased delays and late-cancellations to domestic flights, as well as a return to the practices of overbooking flights”.