Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that air passengers can effectively and easily access compensation for long flight delays under EU Regulation 261/2004.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been designated by the Secretary of State for Transport as the National Enforcement Body (NEB) for Regulation (EC) 261/2004 regarding compensation, and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding, and of cancellation and long delay of flights. The CAA offers advice to passengers and is able to take enforcement action against airlines that are not fulfilling their obligations.

In addition, the Government and the CAA, have introduced an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme into the sector, which now covers more than 70% of passengers.

The provision of ADR services for consumer disputes stemming from contracts for aviation services is designed to benefit consumers and lead to quick, fair, low cost (if not free) and binding solutions to their problems. ADR means passengers can settle disputes without asking a court to decide on the issue.