✈️⚖️ New decree complicates airline dispute resolution for passengers

Oneliner

A new decree in France, effective 7 February 2025, complicates the process for airline passengers seeking compensation for delays or cancellations. Passengers must now undergo mandatory mediation before taking legal action, extending response times and introducing bailiff fees of €150 to €250. Consumer groups argue this undermines EU regulations and limits access to justice, with plans to challenge the decree in court. The changes are expected to deter many from pursuing legitimate claims.

Key points

• Mandatory mediation now required before legal action, increasing delays.
• Passengers face new costs of €150 to €250 for bailiff services.
• Consumer groups argue the decree undermines EU regulations on passenger rights.
• Legal actions now more complex, potentially deterring claims.

Links

• Franceinfo: Litiges aériens : de nouvelles règles entrent en vigueur pour se faire rembourser en cas de vols retardés ou annulés
• BFMTV: Ils devront payer 150 à 250 euros pour qu'un huissier assigne les compagnies en justice: à partir d'aujourd'hui, l'action judiciaire des passagers aériens lésés va devenir un parcours du combattant

Facts

• Decree No. 2025-77 effective from 7 February 2025.
• Mandatory mediation period extended from three to six months.
• Bailiff fees for serving summons range from €150 to €250.
• UFC-Que Choisir and APRA are challenging the decree's legality.
• The decree applies specifically to disputes involving airlines and passengers.

Quotes

• This decree facilitates strategies of delay or refusal by airlines while preventing passengers from exercising their rights — Tomasz Pawliszyn, APRA President.
• The decree tramples on passengers’ rights by multiplying procedural obstacles — UFC-Que Choisir.

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