In March 2022 it will be 2 years since many flights were canceled at the start of the corona pandemic. Passengers who have not yet received a refund from the airline run the risk of losing their claim. In the Netherlands, the claim expires after 2 years and then passengers can no longer go to court later. They must therefore start a procedure with the court on time.
Under the European Passenger Rights Regulation, passengers are given the choice of a refund if their flight was canceled by the airline or the choice of a rebooking of the flight. Once passengers have opted for a refund, they must be refunded the ticket price (automatically) within 7 days. A number of companies have not (yet) done so or there is a dispute. Passengers will then have to go to court to enforce a refund. This is possible up to 2 years after the flight date.
Role ILT
The ILT checks whether airlines comply with European rules in the field of passenger rights. It has no role in enforcing individual compensation claims. Passengers with a dispute or claim must turn to the subdistrict court. In the case of systematic violations, the ILT can take a measure or impose a fine. It is therefore important that passengers report to the ILT with their complaints, according to the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate.
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