Case C‑49/22

Austrian Airlines AG

v

TW

(Request for a preliminary ruling from the Landesgericht Korneuburg)

Judgment of the Court (Third Chamber) of 8 June 2023

(Reference for a preliminary ruling – Air transport – Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 – Article 5(1)(a) – Cancellation of a flight – Article 8(1) – Obligation to provide assistance – Concept of ‘re-routing’ – Compensation for air passengers in the event of cancellation of a flight – COVID‑19 pandemic – Repatriation flight organised by a Member State in the context of consular assistance – Flight operated by the same operating air carrier and at the same time as the cancelled flight – Costs to be borne by the passenger in excess of the net costs of that flight)

1. Transport – Air transport – Regulation No 261/2004 – Compensation and assistance to passengers – Cancellation or long delay of flights – Re-routing of a passenger – Concept – Repatriation flight organised by a Member State in the context of consular assistance – Not included

   (European Parliament and Council Regulation No 261/2004, Arts 5(1)(a) and 8(1)(b))

   (see paragraphs 32, 33, operative part 1)

2. Transport – Air transport – Regulation No 261/2004 – Compensation and assistance to passengers – Cancellation or long delay of flights – Passenger registering himself or herself for a repatriation flight organised by a Member State in the context of consular assistance – Passenger required to pay a contribution to costs – No right to reimbursement of those costs at the expense of the operating air carrier – Failure of the operating air carrier to comply with its obligation to reimburse the part of the ticket corresponding to the parts of the journey not made – Failure of the operating air carrier to comply with its obligation to provide assistance and information regarding possible compensation – Possibility for the passenger to rely on his or her right to appropriate and reasonable compensation before a national court

   (European Parliament and Council Regulation No 261/2004, Art. 8(1))

   (see paragraphs 43-50, operative part 2)

See the text of the decision.