Dogfight for Jet2 as aviation body brings legal action against the airline

AIRLINES body the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced enforcement action against three major airlines, including Leeds-based Jet2, as the regulator steps in over breaches of consumer law allegedly made by the airlines.

The action follows the CAA’s six-month review of airline policies in place to support passengers during disruption, including their approaches to paying flight delay compensation and the provision of information about their rights.

Despite extensive discussions, the CAA said, some airlines are yet to make the required changes, which has now resulted in the regulator commencing the legal phase of its enforcement process against Aer Lingus, Jet2 and Wizz Air.

The three airlines are now required to make the changes set out by the CAA or face the prospect of a court order.

Jet2 along with Wizz Air have allegedly failed to satisfy the regulator that they are regularly and consistently paying compensation for disruption caused by technical faults.

Aer Lingus and Jet2 have failed to give the CAA satisfactory evidence that they proactively providing passengers with information about their rights.

Andrew Haines, chief executive of the CAA said: “Airlines are well aware of the support they must provide when there is disruption and passengers have every right to be disappointed that a small number of airlines are not complying with the Court of Appeal rulings and continue to let people down in this way.

“Since the law was clarified last year, we have been active to ensure airlines are applying consumer law appropriately and I warmly welcome the response of those airlines that have changed their policies as a result of this work.

“While we have no power to secure redress for individual consumers, we are determined to stand up for passengers and are taking this action to safeguard their rights, making sure all airlines consistently provide their passengers with the support and compensation they are legally entitled to.”

A spokeswoman for Jet2 said: “Jet2.com is paying compensation for disruption caused by technical faults in line with the landmark Huzar ruling and have already confirmed this to the CAA.

“The compensation is up to 400 euros (£289) per person even though our average fare is £80.

“No enforcement action has been taken. The CAA is obligated to consult with Jet2.com before considering enforcement action.

“This process has not started. Given the misapprehensions of the CAA, Jet2.com expects that following the mandatory consultation process the CAA will not wish to take the matter any further.

“We would have preferred that the CAA had engaged with us properly before issuing this press release.”