New regulations on passenger compensation

CIVIL AVIATION FLIGHT DELAYS, CANCELLATIONS

New regulations on passenger compensation

AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK

Passengers of airlines licensed in Thailand will enjoy better protection under new civil aviation regulations if their flights are delayed or cancelled. Civil Aviation Department deputy director-general Kannika Khemawuthanont said under the new regulations, effective this month, if a flight is delayed longer than two hours, the airline must provide passengers with food and beverages and a phone, fax or email service.

If the delay is longer than three hours, the airline must either offer passengers a refund, an alternative flight or an alternative mode of transport.

If the delay is longer than a day, the airline must also provide passengers with accommodation and two-way transport from the airport to the hotel.

In case of flight cancellation, passengers are eligible for a refund plus compensation, or a change in their mode of transport.

Airlines failing to abide by the new regulations will not be allowed to extend their licence, she said. The old regulations have been in use since Dec 24, 2003.