AITO: Government blamed after EUJet collapse
The Association of Independent Tour Operators has blamed the government for leaving almost 10,000 air passengers with the financial burden of getting home following the collapse of budget airline EUJet.
AITO director Noel Josephides said the government’s “prevaricating” and resistance to common sense, has directly led holidaymakers having to shell out a fortune to return to the UK.
He urged MPs to introduced the £1 levy to the Civil Aviation Bill as soon as they return from their “80-day holiday.”
“The government claims that consumers realise they are unprotected when they book direct or over the web with no frills or other scheduled carriers,” Josephides said. “I am sure that, if you asked the 10,000 EUJet passengers now left stranded without refund or redress, they would disagree.
“If everyone travelling out of the UK by air paid a £1 levy we would have a fund to ensure that, in cases such as this, all consumers would immediately be repatriated and refunded.
“The government has prevaricated so far, and now MPs are off on their own 80-day holidays. We urge MPs when they return in October – airlines permitting – to take decisive action.”
The Association of ATOL companies also warned the government to take action.
“Politicians need to open their eyes and see the problem,” said ACC legal advisor Alan Bowen.
Report by Steve Jones
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