Passenger safety: Supreme Court of Canada to hear airlines

The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear a lawsuit by a group of airlines challenging the validity of the Canadian Transportation Agency’s (CTA) air passenger safety regulations.

The group that appealed included Air Canada, Porter Airlines and several international airlines including Lufthansa, British Airways and Delta Airlines. The International Air Transport Association (ATAI), which represents around 290 airlines worldwide, is also part of the group.

Last December, a federal appeals court upheld most of the rulesOTCIt strengthens the compensation of air passengers whose flights are delayed or their luggage is damaged.

Porter Airlines urged it to respond to the Supreme Court ruling approving the move. Consistent with the general objectives of the Regulations. However, the company says Clarification of aspects inconsistent with contractual obligations relating to international travel.

We already meet or exceed regulatory standards in many areas.

Appellants contend that this regulation, known as the Voyagers’ Charter, constitutes an abuse of power.OTC. They argue that the charter goes against the Montreal Convention, a multilateral treaty harmonizing the rules governing air travel.

Under the rules enacted in 2019, if a flight is overbooked and passengers are denied boarding, they must be compensated up to $2,400. Compensation can reach a maximum of $2,100 for lost or damaged baggage, and up to $1,000 for delays.

In June, the federal government approved the lawOTC to strengthen its security regime. The new rules, which have recently been subject to public consultation, will limit the circumstances under which an airline must compensate its customers.

They are expected to come into force by the end of this year.