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Josianne Cutajar demands European Commission act on air travel disruptions
Labour MEP Josianne Cutajar says ticket price increases, long delays, lost luggage and last-minute flight cancellations were jeopardising Europe's competitiveness
1 July 2022, 11:50am
Luke Vella
Luke Vella
1 min read
Cutajar highlighted how the disruptions were occurring during a period of a sharp increase in travel demand and worker shortages
Labour MEP Josianne Cutajar called on the European Commission to take action on air travel disruptions that have frustrated millions of passengers across the EU.
Cutajar said the significant increase in ticket prices, long delays, lost luggage and last-minute flight cancellations were worrying developments in the air travel sector. She highlighted how this was happening during a period of a sharp increase in demand as the air industry contends with worker shortages.
“This scenario poses several risks in relation to consumer protection, workers’ rights and the discouragement of tourists, which might also jeopardise the competitiveness of Europe as a tourist destination” Cutajar said.
Recently, a technical malfunction at London Heathrow Airport left hundreds of passengers without luggage and on Friday, Air Malta said six Amsterdam flights were moved to Rotterdam as airlines were forced by Dutch authorities to limit passenger capacity throughout July.
Cutajar asked how the commission was engaging with stakeholders in the field, including airlines and operators, in order to address such scenarios, and prepare for any future shocks.
She also pushed the commission to investigate the matter, assessing both the fairness of practices and whether lack of staff can result in a lower level of safety for workers and passengers alike.
Cutajar demanded that the commission also plan ahead when it comes to the protection of passengers from remote areas, including islands, which are at a geographical disadvantage when it comes to travel options.
“These areas are also facing high ticket prices, and given that islanders depend upon air travel, this hampers their right to free movement even more,” she said.
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author’s view. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
Luke Vella joined MaltaToday as a reporter in 2021
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