**Wizz Air Raises Concerns Over New EU Passenger Rights Reforms**
Wizz Air, a prominent budget airline, has expressed strong opposition to recent reforms agreed upon by the European Parliament and Council regarding EU air passenger rights. The airline cautions that these changes could lead to increased ticket prices for millions of travelers across Europe.
The reforms maintain the existing EC261 compensation regime, which mandates compensation payments of up to €600 for significant flight delays. Wizz Air criticized this framework as outdated, arguing that it does not adequately reflect current operational challenges faced by airlines. The airline emphasized that the original regulations were established over two decades ago and do not consider modern issues such as increased air traffic, infrastructure constraints, and disruptions in air traffic control.
In a statement, Wizz Air pointed out that the European Union has not held air traffic control authorities accountable for systemic failures, suggesting that airlines are unfairly burdened with the costs associated with these shortcomings. “The EU seems still to consider it fair for airlines to pick up the bill for the air traffic control system’s shortcomings,” the airline remarked.
Regarding family travel, Wizz Air noted that it already provides complimentary seat allocation for children under 14 to sit next to a guardian. The airline welcomed the recognition of this practice by European policymakers and encouraged other airlines to adopt similar measures to enhance passenger experience.
However, Wizz Air voiced its opposition to proposed regulations concerning the disclosure of baggage charges. The airline argued that such regulations could undermine the low-cost model that allows passengers to pay only for the services they actually use. Wizz Air maintains that this model has revolutionized European aviation by enabling travelers to customize their journeys according to their needs and budgets.
The airline warned that requirements to disclose baggage fees could lead to higher prices for the lowest available fares, particularly affecting passengers who travel light and do not require additional services. Wizz Air described these regulatory changes as potentially misleading, asserting that they would not promote competition but rather confuse passengers, leading them to pay for more baggage than necessary.
Furthermore, Wizz Air characterized the reforms as a shift towards a more prescriptive regulatory environment, which could impose additional administrative and operational costs on consumers. The airline emphasized that, in a time when affordability is a significant concern for European households, the new regulations could add unnecessary expenses to travel.
In conclusion, Wizz Air urged EU institutions to ensure that the final framework of passenger rights reforms preserves consumer choice and competition without increasing travel costs for the public. The airline’s concerns highlight the ongoing debate about balancing consumer protection with the operational flexibility required to maintain affordable air travel in Europe.