The Supreme Court has ruled that Canada’s passenger protection rules do not violate international law, allowing airlines to seek compensation from passengers for disruptions to certain international flights.
Unanimous ruling dismisses airline’s appeal as passenger protection violates international law
The Supreme Court has ruled that Canada’s passenger protection rules do not violate international law, allowing airlines to seek compensation from passengers for disruptions to certain international flights.
In a unanimous ruling, all nine judges rejected an appeal by two airline associations and a group of airlines serving Canada and other international airports.
The airlines had argued that Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations, introduced in 2019, violate the Montreal Convention, an international treaty that entered into force in Canada in 2001.
Air passenger protection regulations Obligates airlines in the event of flight delays, cancellations, denied boarding, and lost or damaged baggage.
These obligations require airlines to explain the reasons for delays and cancellations and ensure that if a flight is delayed on the tarmac, the disruption is within the airline’s control and was not necessary for safety reasons. In some cases, certain free services, such as food, drink and toilet access, must be provided. .
The regulations also provide for compensation for permanently lost or damaged baggage.
This will continue in the future.
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