Communications

15/05/2025 ECTAA demands urgent airline insolvency protection as Air Belgium bankruptcy exposes once again travel agents, tour operators and customers to millions in losses

ECTAA is renewing its call for the swift introduction of mandatory airline insolvency protection in Europe following the bankruptcy of Air Belgium, which has left nearly 8 million Euro in outstanding passenger refund claims-of which more than 5 million was sold through travel intermediaries (travel agents and tour operators).
On 18 September 2023, Air Belgium announced it would cease all scheduled passenger flights to focus on cargo and aircraft leasing operations. The airline soon entered judicial reorganisation and, unable to recover, was declared bankrupt on 30 April 2025. As a result, thousands of passengers are unlikely to receive refunds for their cancelled flights, with the remaining claims now part of the bankruptcy proceedings.

 

May 2025 REVISION OF THE PASSENGER RIGHTS REGULATION

Travel intermediaries – such as travel agents, tour operators, travel management companies and online booking platforms - play a fundamental role in providing consumers with access to travel services by offering choice, transparency, and comprehensive support - extending beyond transportation to assist during travel disruptions. The European Union has made significant progress in strengthening passenger rights, but current regulations must be adapted to reflect the reality of modern travel. Consumers must benefit from clearly defined and enforceable rights, while enforcement mechanisms must be enhanced to ensure compliance without placing undue burdens on transport carriers and intermediaries. Travel intermediaries must be able to continue facilitating seamless and competitive travel services without being disproportionately held liable for disruptions beyond their control.

 

ECTAA welcomes the proposed revisions to the Passenger Rights Regulation and the recognition of travel intermediaries' role in the travel ecosystem. However, key areas require further refinement to prevent unintended negative consequences.

27/04/2020 ECTAA welcomes Tourism Ministers’ strong support for a swift and effective recovery of tourism sector

Recognising that tourism has been “badly hit” by the COVID-19 crisis, ECTAA is pleased to see that Tourism Ministers are eager to use the EU Recovery Fund for tourism. ECTAA also welcomes their support for a “harmonized solution” for refunding travel packages, including vouchers (link).

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