Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with commercial airline companies on issuing refunds to customers over the covid-19 period.

The Government is continuing to work with industry to ensure timely refunds to consumers during the pandemic. The Civil Aviation Authority reviewed airlines’ compliance on refunds last summer and worked collaboratively to improve their performance on consumer obligations. A significant majority of airlines now pay refunds within a reasonable time.

The Competition and Markets Authority are currently reviewing the practices of airline and travel agents in issuing refunds to customers affected by the travel restrictions.