Portuguese Civilian Aviation Authority on Passengers Rights for Flight Disruptions

The Portuguese Civilian Aviation Authority (ANAC) has just issued press releases informing passengers about their rights in light of the impending cancellation of all flights to and from outside of the EU and also to and from Spain.

Per EU Regulation (CE) 261/2004, passengers are entitled to assistance and forwarding or a refund. Nevertheless, passengers will not be entitled to compensation under article 7 of the same Regulation, due to the extraordinary and consequently uncontrollable nature of the impediment.

For passengers who chose not to travel due within the still authorized areas, the conditions agreed upon purchase still apply.

Because of the recent ordinance closing the border between Portugal and Spain from 16th of March passengers are allowed to also call for a refund, assistance of forwarding, similarly to what already occurred when flights to Italy were restricted on the 10th of March (until 24th of March).