Will the money for airline tickets be refunded if airBaltic goes bankrupt? 0 11

However, there are reports online (and much discussion in the Saeima) that airBaltic is experiencing difficulties and is almost on the brink of bankruptcy.

In this regard, I have several questions:

1. If I purchase tickets in advance (that is, now), and the national airline goes bankrupt before August, will I get my money back for the tickets?

2. If a refund for the ticket is anticipated — how and in what order will this happen?

3. Considering that airBaltic is almost 90 percent a state-owned enterprise, does the government guarantee the refund of money spent on the ticket?

4. And how will my flight to relatives be ensured if airBaltic suddenly stops flying in August?

Or should I buy tickets for flights with some other airline — just to be safe? I think this question concerns many today — especially on the eve of summer vacations. A reader of the newspaper "Today WEEK".

airBaltic: everything will be fine

Comment from the Corporate Communications Department of Air Baltic Corporation:

– The Latvian airline airBaltic is currently starting to implement its summer flight program according to plan. At the same time, the company is closely monitoring the situation with fuel prices, overall demand for air transportation, and the operational efficiency of each flight.

It should be emphasized that the airline does not comment on speculation in the public space, but, as mentioned earlier, continues to operate and ensures the execution of flights.

The challenging situation in the fuel market affects not only airBaltic but also airlines worldwide. Fuel costs are one of the most significant external factors in aviation, so the company maintains regular communication with fuel suppliers and adapts to developments.

If there are any changes in the planned flight schedule, passengers will be informed according to the established procedure, and alternatives will be offered — another flight, a change of travel date, or a refund.

More detailed information on actions in case of flight cancellation is available on the airBaltic website in the frequently asked questions section.

...By looking into the mentioned section, we learned that in case of flight cancellation, the airline offers passengers one of the following options:

• choose another route (if possible) to reach the chosen destination on the same day;

• choose an equivalent airBaltic flight;

• change the departure date;

• receive a refund in the form of a gift card;

• receive a refund using the same payment method used to purchase the ticket.

Ministry: ask the EU

The reader's question regarding government guarantees — considering that airBaltic is almost 90 percent a state-owned enterprise — was also forwarded to the Ministry of Transport. The response from the communications department was brief:

– EU regulations apply in Latvia, which define the actions and obligations of airlines in cases of flight cancellations. More specific information related to changes and refunds for purchased tickets can still be provided by the airline itself.

...Regarding the company's obligations in case the concerns of customers related to circulating "speculations in the public space" become a sad reality, the Ministry of Transport did not comment.

Consumer Protection Center: refunds are not guaranteed

In turn, a representative of the Consumer Protection Center (CPC), Linda Alsinya, provided the following explanation:

– The CPC does not have information about the financial condition of Air Baltic Corporation. However, if any commercial entity, including a company with state participation, faces solvency issues, the provisions of the Commercial Law, the Insolvency Law, and other special regulations apply.

In the field of air transportation, there is no special regulation that would ensure the protection of funds paid by consumers in case of the service provider's solvency issues. In case of insolvency, the consumer has the right to file a creditor's claim in the general order. If a decision is made to ensure the refund of money paid by consumers for tickets, a procedure will also be established for how this process will be carried out.

Currently, no decision has been made that Latvia guarantees refunds for tickets. According to Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 of the European Parliament and Council (of February 11, 2004), which establishes common rules for compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding, cancellation, or long delay of flights, if the carrier cancels a flight, it is obliged to offer the passenger an alternative flight or a refund for the purchased tickets.

Unforeseen circumstances affecting flight execution can arise for any carrier. If consumers have concerns about the purchased flight, the CPC recommends obtaining travel insurance, choosing appropriate coverage that includes cancellation or delay of the flight, etc.