Canadian Supreme Court Upholds Rules on Air Passenger Rights

In a supposed victory for air pax and a blow to airlines, the Supreme Court of Canada has upheld rules that improve passenger compensation for delays, flight cancellations and other problems on international flights.

Canada’s highest court on 04OCT unanimously rejected an appeal by a group of Canadian and international airlines challenging Canada’s air passenger rights charter.

Air Canada, Porter, and 16 other airlines had argued LINK TO OJ that Ottawa's 2019 Air Passenger Rights Regulations violated global airline standards for flights in and out of Canada.

The airlines, along with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), had argued that the regulations should be struck down for international flights, because Canada has already signed the Montreal Convention, an international air passenger protection treaty, The Toronto Star reports.

Porter and Air Canada had minimal reaction to the decision.

"Porter agreed to add its name to the legal challenge, as we believed there was value in clarifying how international treaty obligations related to the new legislation," spokesman Brad Cicero told Open Jaw in an email. "We have always fully complied with the regulations and will continue doing so based on the ruling. Further comment is best received from IATA, as the lead party in the challenge."

Air Canada also suggested asking IATA to comment, as they led the court challenge.

"For our part, we have taken note of the decision and will of course comply with it," said spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick.