Can airlines apply a fuel surcharge to pre-booked tickets amid global turmoil?

"If the fuel shortage is due to poor planning or internal airline problems, the passenger may be entitled to financial compensation."

Airhelp points out that, from a regulatory perspective, the European framework provides clear guarantees. Regulation (EC) 261/2004 protects passengers in the event of significant disruptions, while Regulation (EC) 1008/2008 obliges airlines to ensure full price transparency, including any surcharges or additional fees from the start of the booking process.

"In the event of possible changes to ticket conditions or flight cancellations related to supply problems, passengers' rights remain in effect," states AirHelp. The platform adds that "the existence of a fuel crisis does not automatically exempt airlines from their obligations. Each case must be assessed individually to determine whether the situation was truly unavoidable or whether it falls under the airline's operational responsibility," explains Rosa Garcia, AirHelp's legal expert.

Be better informed 

Furthermore, if a fuel shortage is the result of poor planning or internal airline issues, the passenger may be entitled to financial compensation for the flight cancellation. For this reason, AirHelp believes it is essential that travellers really know their rights in times like these. For example, passengers always have the right to choose between a full refund of the ticket within seven days or rebooking onto an alternative flight to their final destination as soon as possible. Airlines must also comply with the so-called "right to care", providing food, drink and accommodation if necessary.

In more complex scenarios, such as cancellations that leave passengers stranded during layovers or return journeys, the airline's assistance obligations remain in effect. In this regard, AirHelp reminds travellers that financial compensation, which can reach up to 600 euros, will depend on the cause of the disruption. "If the fuel shortage is due to poor planning or internal airline issues, the passenger may be entitled to such compensation." However, if it is an "extraordinary external circumstance, such as a general supply failure at the airport, the airline could be exempted from paying compensation, although not from providing assistance," says AirHelp.