New rules clarify when travellers are compensated for flight disruptions

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OTTAWA — The federal government is proposing new rules surrounding airlines’ obligations to travellers whose flights are disrupted, even when delays or cancellations are caused by an “exceptional circumstance” outside of carriers’control.

The Canadian Transportation Agency’s amendments to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, announced today, would require carriers to provide meals to passengers whose flights are delayed at least two hours, along with overnight accommodation if necessary.

Airlines would also have to provide refunds within 15 days, down from the current deadline of 30 days, if a passenger prefers to be reimbursed rather than rebooked when their flight is cancelled or delayed at least three hours.

Ottawa says exceptional circumstances include security threats, unscheduled airport closures, bird strikes, weather or aircraft damage that could affect flight safety.

Transport Minister Anita Anand says the proposed amendments seek to simplify the rules for both travellers and air carriers by eliminating ambiguity about when passengers are owed compensation. The changes are now open to 75-day feedback period.

The Canadian Transportation Agency has been working to amend regulations associated with the Canada Transportation Act since the Liberal government passed legislation last year aiming to tighten rules for passenger rights.