European Commission News
EU set to boost boat travel protection
Boat passengers in the European Union are to see their rights enhanced in the event of delay or cancellation to their journey following a decision by the European Parliament. Under the terms of new legislation, traveller rights are to be brought closer to those of aviation passengers.
Air Iran hit by new EU aviation blacklist
Air Iran has seen its operations in European airspace curtailed as the European Union publishes the latest blacklist. In the same announcement Blue Wing Airlines from Surinam was banned from European airspace, bringing the total number of prohibited carriers to 282.
Taiwan moves towards Schengen visa exemption
The European Commission has proposed the addition of Taiwan to the list of countries whose citizens can visit without a visa. Exemptions are presently made for Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong or South Korea, with passport holders allowed to visit EU member states for up to 90 days.
EU supports Package Travel Directive update
The European Union has endorsed proposals to update the Package Travel Directive (PTD), potentially offering coverage to travellers who create their own deals online.
BA, AA and Iberia transatlantic tie-up moves closer
The proposed transatlantic venture between British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia has moved closer to securing regulatory approval from the European Commission.
EU plans to help stranded travellers
Travellers who book holidays online or with budget airlines could receive greater financial protection if companies go bankrupt, under new plans mooted by the European Commission. Brussels officals say it is time to extend the consumer protection beyond package holidays to also independent trips using websites such as Expedia, as well as as covering passengers if an airline collapses.
EC launches probe into major airlines
The European Commission has launched an investigation into seven international airlines - including British Airways, Air France-KLM, and Lufthansaand American Airlines - over possible anti-competitive practices on transatlantic routes that it fears could be harmful to consumers.
EC clears Iberia take over of Clickair and Vueling
The European Commission has granted conditional clearance for Iberia’s takeover of Spanish low-cost carriers Clickair and Vueling.The merger will allow Iberia, Spain’s largest airline, to also have a core shareholding in the country’s second largest airline, and create a solid foundation to thwart the rise of easyJet and Ryanair’s aggressive expansion in Spain.
EU etches US deal on air passenger data
The European Commission has reached a deal with the United States on transferring air passenger data in a bid to curb terrorism.