In light of the escalation of the security situation in the Middle East region, the Consumer Rights Protection Centre (CRPC) reminds air passengers of their rights in cases where an airline cancels a flight.
(!) CRPC urges passengers to first contact the relevant airline and follow information published through its official communication channels.
Passenger Options
If a flight is cancelled, passengers have the right to choose between:
- a refund of the ticket price within seven days (and, where applicable, a return flight to the original point of departure), or
- re‑routing to the final destination.
If the passenger chooses re‑routing, the airline must provide an alternative flight at no additional cost and at the earliest possible opportunity.
Right to Care
If the waiting time for the alternative flight is two hours or longer, the airline must provide:
- meals and refreshments;
- the opportunity to make two free telephone calls or send two emails.
If the new flight is scheduled for the following day, the airline must cover hotel accommodation and transport to and from the hotel.
Important Notice
If the passenger is currently in a third country and flights to Europe/Latvia are operated by non‑EU airlines, EU air passenger rights do not apply. Passengers are therefore advised to contact the respective airline to clarify further steps and to review the airline’s conditions of carriage.
Compensation
If a flight is cancelled due to security‑related extraordinary circumstances, passengers are not entitled to compensation; however, the ticket price must be refunded.
Travel Insurance
If travel insurance has been purchased, passengers are advised to review the terms and conditions of their insurance policy. In case of uncertainty, they should contact their insurance provider directly.
Additional Information
For up‑to‑date information on the security situation, passengers are encouraged to follow official communications from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consular Department.
For further assistance:
CRPC Consumer Consultation Centre
Phone: +371 6545 2554
Email: pasts@ptac.gov.lv