Italian Competition Authority Probes European Low-Cost Airlines Over Coronavirus Cancellations
25 Settembre 2020 - 3:51PM
Dow Jones News
By Cecilia Butini
The Italian Competition Authority AGCM said Friday that it has
launched a probe into European low-cost airlines Blue Panorama,
easyJet PLC, Ryanair Holdings PLC and Vueling over their handling
of flight cancellations and reimbursements during the coronavirus
pandemic.
The authority said the probe would focus on flight cancellations
that were blamed on the coronavirus pandemic even when these
happened outside of travel-restriction periods.
Contextually, AGCM is challenging the companies over their
decision to issue vouchers to passengers instead of reimbursing the
price of the canceled tickets.
According to the antitrust body, the four airlines didn't inform
customers of their rights in case of cancellation, and offered them
limited or expensive customer support.
AGCM said it started the investigation after receiving an
increasing number of complaints from customers and in the wake of
similar proceedings launched against Italian carrier Alitalia SpA
and Spanish low-cost airline Volotea SA in July.
EasyJet said in an emailed statement: "We are aware of the
proceedings started by the AGCM and will fully cooperate with the
authority's investigation. EasyJet continues to offer all our
customers whose flight is cancelled the choice between an
alternative flight, a voucher or a cash refund, and in full
compliance with applicable EU and Italian laws."
Representatives for Blue Panorama, Ryanair and Vueling weren't
immediately reachable for comment.
Write to Cecilia Butini at cecilia.butini@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 25, 2020 09:36 ET (13:36 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2020 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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