The European Union has taken many initiatives to improve the rights of passengers in all modes of transport. Certainly in the area of air travel, a delay of a few hours or days can have serious consequences for passengers. The consequences of the 2010 ash cloud have put the scope of the current regulations under pressure. This is why the Commission has announced a review of the rights of passengers in the air travel sector. However, in addition to cancelled flights and long delays, passengers are also confronted with other problems.

Every year there are many incidents involving passengers’ luggage at European airports. Regulation (EC) No 889/2002 on air carrier liability in the event of accidents sets out the rules in cases of delay, destruction, loss or damage of luggage. Statistics provided by the Belgian Government indicate that the number of complaints from passengers in relation to lost or delayed luggage has fallen in our country. The number of incidents at national airports fell from more than 76 000 in 2007 to approximately 46 000 in 2010. In 2011, a slight increase was recorded.

1. Are Member States obliged to share this information with the Commission on a regular basis?

2. Does the Commission have comparable figures for the number of complaints from passengers concerning lost or delayed luggage in Member States? If so, what are the most recent conclusions?