Hungary’s government has taken aim at low-cost airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air over a spate of flight delays and cancellations, launching investigations into whether the carriers are complying with EU passenger rights regulations.
Justice Minister Bence Tuzson has ordered eight new probes into the airlines’ practices, bringing the total number of ongoing investigations to 11. The latest inquiries focus on flights operated by Ryanair and Wizz Air in recent days.
According to the Ministry of Justice (IM), the airlines have been “overbooking” their flights to such an extent that even a delay to an early morning flight can result in hours of disruption by the end of the day. This has put a strain on airport operators, who are also victims of the “overstretched, ill-considered” schedules.
The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) is investigating whether the airlines have provided passengers with the required information, such as written notice of delays or cancellations, and offered options for rebooking or refunds, as per EU regulations.
Passengers are also entitled to certain amenities, such as meals and refreshments, overnight accommodation and airport transfers, and two free phone calls or emails, if they choose to rebook on the earliest available flight. In addition, they may be eligible for compensation of €250, €400 or €600, depending on the flight distance.
The Justice Ministry has published a summary of air passenger rights on its website, including information on what to do in case of a flight delay or cancellation.
The move by Hungarian authorities comes amid growing frustration among passengers across Europe over flight disruptions caused by a variety of factors, including staff shortages, air traffic control issues, and extreme weather events. Airlines have been criticized for their handling of the situation, with many passengers complaining of a lack of communication and inadequate assistance.
It remains to be seen whether the Hungarian government’s crackdown will have a significant impact on Ryanair and Wizz Air’s operations. However, it sends a strong message to airlines that they must take their obligations to passengers seriously and face consequences for failing to do so.
Passengers who have experienced flight delays or cancellations with Ryanair or Wizz Air are encouraged to keep records of their experiences and contact the airlines to claim compensation and assistance. They may also wish to file a complaint with the relevant authorities in their country.
