Turbulence Ahead for Airlines as European Parliament Seeks Stronger Rights for Passengers

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 5th Sep 2001

Diana Wallis, Lib Dem Euro-MP for Yorkshire & the Humber, has welcomed proposals by the European Parliament to give air passengers the right to compensation when flights are delayed or cancelled.

Parliament's recommendations, which will now go to the European Commission, also include calling for EU research money to be allocated towards a comprehensive study on Deep Veined Thrombosis, a condition that appears to be a particular result of lack of exercise on flights and dehydration.

"Fears surrounding loss of luggage, delays and cancellations can create a lot of stress at the beginning of a relaxing holiday or a hectic business trip," said Diana Wallis MEP, commenting on today's events. "Add to that the increasing concern over the health risks associated with flying and it becomes clear that much remains to be done to protect and reassure passengers in the air.

"Health and safety in the air must be paramount, but so must the rights of passengers left stranded at airports, and arriving late for their holidays as a result of delays and cancellations."