The Epoch Times
The Epoch Times
AD
The Epoch Times
Support Us
SHARE
World NewsAustralia News

Coalition Wants More Protections for Airline Passengers

Copy
Facebook
X
Truth
Gettr
LinkedIn
Telegram
Email
Save
Coalition Wants More Protections for Airline Passengers
Passengers queue at a security check point at Sydney Airport on July 30, 2017. WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images
AAP
By AAP
2/9/2024Updated: 2/9/2024
0:00

Airline passengers may soon get greater protections against cancelled or delayed flights under new laws set to go before federal parliament.

The coalition will introduce a private senator’s bill when the upper house next sits later in February aimed at boosting consumer protections.

“In light of the Qantas ticketing scandal and alleged ghost flights, the Pay on Delay bill is designed to clean up Australia’s airline industry through ensuring concrete protections for passengers,” opposition transport spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie said.

“The bill will clarify a passenger’s ticket is on a particular flight, to a particular destination at a particular time.”

The private senator’s bill comes as the latest data showed more than 2200 services were cancelled in Australia during December 2023.

Senator McKenzie said the domestic airline industry needed to provide better customer experiences following cancellations and delays.

Related Stories
Australians Waiting Longer for Passports to be Processed: Report
2/8/2024
Australians Waiting Longer for Passports to be Processed: Report
Albanese Must Answer for Qantas Boss Meeting: Opposition
1/3/2024
Albanese Must Answer for Qantas Boss Meeting: Opposition

“Australians travelling to see friends and family or for work are constantly let down by cancelled and delayed flights,” Ms. McKenzie said.

“In November alone, 45.3 percent of flights were cancelled or delayed across Australia’s busiest routes, the ‘Golden Triangle’, of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, leading to widespread disruption and customer dissatisfaction.”

The calls for better consumer protection come as former consumer watchdog boss Alan Fels accused Qantas of price gouging.

A recent report from Mr. Fels urged for more competition in domestic airlines.

“The duopoly in the aviation sector in Australia is dominated by Qantas and there is price gouging by Qantas,” he said on Feb. 7.

Qantas hit back at the assertion the Australian aviation market was not competitive

“There are now four large jet operators, with Regional Express expanding onto mainline routes and the entry of Bonza,” the airline said in response to Mr. Fels’ report.

AAP
AAP
Author
Australian Associated Press is an Australian news agency.
Author’s Selected Articles

Flooding Leaves One Dead, Communities Cut Off on Australia’s East Coast

May 21, 2025
Flooding Leaves One Dead, Communities Cut Off on Australia’s East Coast

‘Phee We Love You’: Search for Missing Girl Continues

May 21, 2025
‘Phee We Love You’: Search for Missing Girl Continues

Kosciuszko ‘Turning Point’ as an Estimated 9,000 Hard-Hooved Horses Culled

May 21, 2025
Kosciuszko ‘Turning Point’ as an Estimated 9,000 Hard-Hooved Horses Culled

‘Not Funny’: Cow Manure Stunt Leaves Victoria Premier Steaming

May 20, 2025
‘Not Funny’: Cow Manure Stunt Leaves Victoria Premier Steaming
Related Topics
aviation industry
cancelled flights
Save
The Epoch Times
Copyright © 2000 - 2025 The Epoch Times Association Inc. All Rights Reserved.