Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the (a) effect on passengers and (b) extent of airlines overbooking flights; and if he will make a statement.

The Government undertook impact assessments regarding Regulation (EC) 261/2004, which covers passengers’ rights in the event of denied boarding, at the point of its initial negotiation, and as part of subsequent efforts to reform the Regulation. Both of these issues were within the scope of that assessment.

To protect consumers, financial penalties on the industry through regulation has provided a deterrent to overbooking.

In addition the Government and the CAA have introduced an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme into the sector, which now covers more than 70% of passengers.

We have also begun the process of developing a new strategy for UK aviation. This strategy will put the consumer back at the heart of our thinking and ensure that the sector is delivering for consumers and the country as a whole.