Airline angst as Spain to sue over virus flight chaos

Iberia protested Tuesday after the Spanish government pledged to sue 17 airlines for failing to inform travellers about their right to a refund for flights cancelled during the pandemic. A day after the consumer affairs ministry said it would take legal action, the Spanish carrier hit back. "Iberia and Iberia Express inform customers clearly about their rights," it said. Under European law, when a flight is cancelled, passengers must be offered an alternative flight or a refund. The refund may be voucher, but only if the customer consents, the EC clarified last month. "Shortcomings in the information provided on customers' rights following the cancellation of flights," led to the legal action, the ministry said. "The misleading omission of information by airlines in offering vouchers (as the only option) constitutes unfair trading involving a clear lack of consent as well as a breach of the law," a statement said. Iberia said it was "bewildered" by the allegations and denounced the "very damaging effects" of such a move on both its reputation and "financial ability to overcome the current paralysis".<br/>