‘Passengers have rights and they must be respected’: Transport Ministry calls Sunwing flight situation ‘unacceptable’
After storm situations left hundreds of passengers stranded in Mexico this week, the Ministry of Transportation says it should proceed to “monitor the situation,” calling the scenario some have been in over the vacations “unacceptable.”
In an electronic mail assertion despatched to CTV News, a spokesperson stated, “Transport Canada [is] in contact with airlines and airports to ensure they have what they need to keep passengers safe.”
They added that, “The safety of passengers and crews is our top priority.”
Sunwing Vacations Inc. issued widespread flight cancellations due to winter storms, resulting in a series response of displaced crews and airplanes. Other airways skilled related disruptions on account of tough flying situations, however Sunwing trip locations have left many travellers caught overseas.
Additionally, many passengers have spoken out in opposition to a scarcity of communication from the airline as they await news of after they’ll be capable to get house.
In the e-mail, the spokesperson additionally stated that “the Sunwing Airlines situation is unacceptable, as Canadians rightly expect their airlines to keep them informed and to manage disruptions accordingly.”
“We expect all airlines to communicate with passengers and keep them informed of delays or cancellations.”
As of Sept. 8, new rules are in impact beneath the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, the spokesperson stated. These rules apply to flights which are delayed or cancelled for causes outdoors of the air service’s management – together with main climate occasions and unsafe flying situations.
“Canadians can file a complaint with the Canadian Transportation Agency. Our government will continue to ensure that these rights are protected,” the e-mail stated.
“Transport Canada will continue to work with all airports to do everything in its power to ensure that Canadians can travel safely and securely during the holiday season. We encourage passengers to stay informed of the situation by following the latest airport communications as they resume normal operations. Canadians can be assured that we are doing everything we can to support them during this difficult time.”
The assertion from the ministry comes days after federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra addressed Via Rail for leaving passengers stranded in a single day on stalled trains, following the current winter storm.
“The current situation with @VIA_Rail is unacceptable and we are in contact with them to resolve all issues safely and efficiently,” Alghabra stated in a press release on Twitter Saturday. “The unprecedented weather has caused delays in our transportation system and the safety of passengers and crew is our top priority.”
