Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority on enforcement action to ensure that airlines comply with their obligations to passengers when issuing refunds for cancelled flights.

My department works closely with the Civil Aviation Authority and it has regular discussions with them about the range of issues that have arisen from the COVID-19 crisis – including issues relating to enforcement action in respect of refund payments.

We recognise the need to take a balanced and proportionate approach to enforcement during this crisis, recognising the challenges businesses are facing, but have been clear that where the consumer asks for a cash refund then this must be paid. We have also been clear of the need to review this situation.