Airlines start to suspend flights due to rising fuel costs: what rights do passengers have?

The Ocu states that passengers are protected by regulations, provided the flight departs from (or arrives at) an EU airport with a European airline. Therefore, in the event of a cancellation, the airline must offer the option of a refund or alternative transportation.

Furthermore, while waiting, passengers are entitled to assistance, which may include food, drink, accommodation or transportation between airports and hotels where applicable.

Package holidays

The Ocu states that the situation may be different in the case of package holidays. The airline may adjust the price of the package, once it has been booked, for various reasons, including a rise in fuel costs, "but only if very strict requirements are met".

Furthermore, the regulations in this case state that the organiser of a package holiday may cancel the contract and refund the customer in full without additional compensation if the minimum number of participants is not reached within the legal time limits or if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances prevent the contract from being fulfilled, provided that the cancellation is notified without undue delay.