Canada`s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) came into force in 2019, establishing a framework for the rights of air passengers under Canadian law, mere months before the collapse of global air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to evaluate this relatively new framework, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (the Committee) decided to undertake a study of the APPR.

During this study, passengers across Canada experienced significant disruptions to their travel plans over the 2022-2023 holiday period. The Committee heard details about these disruptions from witnesses representing the air and rail transportation sectors on the exceptional nature of winter storm conditions experienced in December 2022, as well as about procedural reviews already underway.

Witnesses representing industry, passenger rights groups, as well as government entities presented their views on the continued viability of the APPR. The Committee heard many recommendations to improve the current system, particularly with regards to passengers’ eligibility to receive compensation from airlines for cancellations, delays, and denials of boarding. Several witnesses proposed changes to harmonize the APPR with similar regulations implemented by the European Union.

Representatives from airlines and airports discussed options to further share accountability throughout the “aviation ecosystem.” The Committee also heard arguments for airlines to continue being a single point of contact and compensation with passengers.

The Committee also heard about lengthy delays in the claims process, as well as proposals to improve timelines through a variety of options from increased data sharing and batching complaints based on flight, to more significant changes to the manner in which the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) functions as an administrative tribunal.

There was also testimony regarding the suitability of the enforcement powers available to the CTA, particularly with regards to fines against airlines, their amount, and the CTA’s willingness to impose them.