The European Regions Airline Association (ERAA) has lodged a complaint with the EU ombudsman over what it says is misleading information from the EU Commission regarding passenger compensation.
The ERAA says information disseminated by the Commission in leaflets, posters and on its Web site about new EU rules governing compensation and assistance for air passengers in the event of cancellations or long delays is wrong.
The association, which represents 65 airlines and 40 regional airports, says the Commission incorrectly claims that passengers are entitled to compensation for long delays when they are only legally entitled to assistance.
Airlines usually provide assistance in the form of food and accommodation in the event of long delays.
The ERAA says the Commission also wrongly claims passengers are entitled to compensation in the event of a cancellation unless they are given advanced notice "and an alternative flight" when it should be "or an alternative flight".
The Association says despite repeated requests the Commission has refused to withdraw or correct the information or even discuss the topic.
In a statement today the ERAA said it had lodged a maladministration complaint with the Ombudsman, citing Articles 11, 12 and 17 of the Code of Good Administrative Behaviour.
It said it wanted the Commission to withdraw the material and apologise to airlines.
ERA President Antonis Simigdalas said: "The whole of the ERA Board regrets the necessity of this step but the Commission's refusal to accept industry expert opinion and its determination to encourage passenger expectations beyond the legal requirement leaves us with no alternative."
