Emirates faces compensation claims

EMIRATES IS BRACING itself for claims from passengers affected by flight delays after being refused permission to appeal a judgement by the UK’s High Court.

Emirates said it was “very disappointed” by the UK Supreme Court’s ruling quashing its appeal against the earlier judgement of the High Court in relation to the application of Regulation EC261 to flights of non-Community carriers originating outside of the EU.

“As one of the world’s largest airlines, we always comply with all legal requirements and based on the judgement, we’ll advise customers of our approach in due course,” the statement reads.

Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said the compensation could run into “millions of pounds”.

The CAA commenced enforcement action against five airlines in Spring 2017, for failing to compensate passengers that had suffered a long delay as a result of a missed connection outside the EU. Four airlines “moved into compliance” but Emirates appealed to the Supreme Court.

* Qantas and Emirates have welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s reauthorisation of their partnership until 2023. Emirates says it will deliver “expanded services, greater schedule choice and increased frequent flyer benefits”.