To ask the Minister for the Economy what discussions his Department has had with (i) airlines; and (ii) airports, in relation to supporting customers who have experienced flight cancellations.

As Minister for the Economy my responsibility is with maintaining and enhancing Northern Ireland’s air connectivity, both domestically and internationally. In doing so, I fully recognise that civil aviation is a reserved matter for the UK Department for Transport (DfT).

The Secretary of State for Transport has pointed out that this is a private sector industry and responsibility for cancelled flights and lengthy queues lies with the airlines and airports. They are commercially responsible for manging their businesses and providing their customers with an appropriate and reasonable service. I welcome the fact that the UK Government is working closely with the sector to ensure that there will be no repeat of those scenes this summer.

The scenes we have witnessed at airports are distressing, with holidaymakers missing out on their first trips abroad after the pandemic. Passengers who have been affected by cancelled flights should be offered a full refund within seven days, or re-routing via alternative transportation at the earliest opportunity by the airline.

If the flight is delayed or cancelled the consumer may also be entitled to compensation. To claim compensation, passengers can complete an online form on the relevant airline’s website. Should passengers remain dissatisfied with the airline’s response, they can get in touch with the Consumer Council, which is the designated complaints handling body for flights in and out of Northern Ireland, and it will take up the complaint on their behalf.