Summary
- HiFly, a Portuguese charter airline, has been ordered to pay passengers for flights that were canceled under its operating license.
- The ruling also covers the airfare of passengers who needed to book flights with one other airline.
- The order might be a precedent for more compensation claims against HiFly, as authorities have received more complaints against the airline.
Portuguese charter airline HiFly could have to pay the damages for flights that did not operate on its behalf. Last week, the Icelandic Transport Authority (ICETRA) ruled that the carrier is obligated to supply compensation for other passengers.
The news comes after Niceair, a small startup airline that operated under HiFly’s operating license, filed for bankruptcy in May. Under ICETRA’s Air Passenger Rights, airlines should offer several options to passengers in the event that they are denied boarding or if their flight is delayed, canceled, or downgraded.
As much as $435 per passenger
In accordance with Iceland Monitor, ICETRA recently ruled in two different cases that HiFly is to pay damages of €400 ($435) to 5 individuals for canceling Niceair flights scheduled between April tenth and eleventh. The airline also must pay the airfare of the passengers who had to buy flights from one other airline consequently of the cancelation.
In an announcement to Iceland Monitor, ICETRA spoke about its ruling.
“The rulings of the Icelandic Transport Agency have legal effect only against the parties to the case, although the rulings actually have a precedent in cases involving the identical flight or in similar cases.”
Photo: Niceair
The airline didn’t even operate for a whole 12 months, as its first scheduled flight occurred on May 30, 2022. The carrier’s officials reportedly worked hard to acquire one other aircraft, however the clock was ticketed.
the airline said.
Flight cancelation protocol
Air Passenger Rights outlined in EU Regulation 261/2004 be sure that airlines offer various options to travelers should their flight not go easily or as planned. If a passenger is denied boarding or their flight is canceled, meals and refreshments in relation to the waiting time have to be provided by the airline. Moreover, the traveler will need to have access to communication.
If essential, overnight accommodations with transportation would also must be offered, and compensation from €125-€600 ($135 to $652) depending on the flight distance.