The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has issued a statement reminding that passengers planning to take a flight, such as those departing from Bilbao Airport, are not left unprotected in the event of cancellations, even if these are attributed to increased fuel prices.

The organization emphasizes that Regulation (EC) 261/2004 protects passengers whenever the flight departs from or arrives at an airport within the European Union and is operated by a community airline.

During the waiting period, the OCU states that travelers are entitled to appropriate assistance, which may include food, beverages, accommodation, and transport between the airport and the hotel when necessary. Furthermore, there may be a right to additional financial compensation, the amount of which varies depending on the flight distance, unless the airline can demonstrate one of the foreseen legal exceptions. In this context, the OCU clarifies that rising fuel prices do not, in principle, fall under the concept of "extraordinary circumstances," unless it could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.

For package holidays, the situation differs. Regulations allow for contract cancellation and a full refund without additional compensation if it can be demonstrated that the minimum number of registered persons is not met, or if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances prevent the trip from taking place and the cancellation is communicated without undue delay. Therefore, the OCU advises travelers to carefully review the terms and conditions of their ticket.