Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they are having with the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure that air travellers have access to an independent ombudsman service able to provide quality dispute resolution in the light of the Ryanair and Monarch service failures.

Ryanair has an arrangement in place with an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body which means that all of its passengers have access to a high standard of dispute resolution, similar to an ombudsman, for consumer disputes.

Most airlines have contracts with ADR bodies and over 70% of UK passengers are now covered. The Government discusses progress on the provision of ADR regularly with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and we will also be considering consumer issues in the sector as part of the development of a new Aviation Strategy.

As Monarch are no longer an operating company, dispute resolution is not an appropriate means for passengers to seek redress. The Government is committed to supporting those affected by the insolvency of Monarch Airlines. Further information can be found at the dedicated CAA microsite https://monarch.caa.co.uk, and helpline on 0300 303 2800 (UK), or +44 1753 330 330 (from overseas).