New Air Passenger Protection Regulations aimed at helping Canadians get compensated for
cancelled and delayed flights are now in effect.
The Canadian Transport Agency has brought the new rules into force following complaints from
air travelers that they have been unable to secure refunds after their flights were cancelled.
The new rules apply to all air carriers operating in the country, including Air Canada (AC) and
WestJet.
Airlines must now issue a full refund for flight cancellations and delays if passengers are not
placed on a new flight within 48 hours, including for reasons outside of the carrier’s control.
Previously, passenger rights regulations only required refunds for flight disruptions that were
within the airline's control, which excluded bad weather and mechanical problems.
As well as a cash refund, the ticket price must also be reimbursed through credit or vouchers
and is to be paid in full by the airline within 30 days.
The original Air Passenger Protection Regulations went into force in 2019, before air travel
collapsed because of the global pandemic.
Air Canada’s stock is down 19% this year at $18.05 per share.
