Malta gets EU warning over new passenger rights

The European Commission yesterday warned Malta to put its house in order or face legal action over new EU legislation entitling additional rights to air passengers.

Although already notified, Malta has still not taken the necessary steps to establish penalties to be imposed on airlines in case of infringements of passenger rights.

New regulations came into force across the EU last February aimed at giving air passengers better protection in the event of denied boarding, flight cancellation or long delays.

According to these new rules, airlines are now obliged to pay compensation in case of such inconveniences.

Nonetheless, in the case of Malta and five other EU countries such rules are still not effectively enforceable as the member states' authorities have yet to establish the penalties to be imposed. The Commission said the penalties have to be effective, proportionate and dissuasive so that the new rights do afford more protection to passengers.

Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot told a press conference the Commission is determined to guarantee fair treatment to passengers in all member states.

Commission sources told The Times this was not the first time that Malta was warned over this issue. In fact, concern was also expressed during a meeting in May, yet Malta still failed to take the necessary action.

Malta is also in trouble with the Commission over noise pollution caused by aviation. Brussels has sent a reasoned opinion to Malta, the last step before a formal complaint to the Court of Justice is lodged, for failure to transpose European legislation regarding the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at EU airports.

The directive in question was supposed to be transposed into Maltese law by accession. The Commission said Malta never communicated to it the relevant national measures adopted and was given two months to comply.