Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure consumers are protected when travel is disrupted by geopolitical events.

There is existing legislation in place to ensure consumers are protected when air travel is disrupted

Where UK law applies, Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (“Regulation 261”) sets out the rights of air passengers in the event of flight disruptions, such as cancellations, long delays and denied boarding, including circumstances where travel is disrupted by wider events beyond the airline’s control.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the UK’s independent aviation regulator, is responsible for monitoring industry compliance with this legislation.

It is important that passengers are aware of their rights during any disruption and that is why the Government provides guidance through its Air Passenger Travel Guide. In addition to this general guidance, the Government and the Civil Aviation Authority have published targeted information, including the “Jet fuel and travel plans: what you need to know” page and the CAA’s summer travel advice.