Dubai-based carrier says it is 'very disappointed' by decision to refuse appeal against paying compensation
Emirates said on Monday it is "very disappointed" after a court ruling refused its permission to appeal in relation to passenger compensation for missed connections outside the EU.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court, adding that it will now progress its enforcement action against Emirates to ensure that it complies with the law, requiring them to amend their policies and practices and to pay claims it had incorrectly refused previously.
The CAA commenced enforcement action against five airlines, including Emirates, in spring 2017, for failing to compensate passengers that had suffered a long delay as a result of a missed connection outside the EU.
Four of the airlines moved into compliance following the CAA's enforcement action, however Emirates sought leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, which has now been refused.
An Emirates spokesperson said: "We are very disappointed by the Supreme Court's ruling denying us leave to appeal against the earlier judgement of the High Court in relation to the application of Regulation EC261 to flights of non-Community carriers originating outside of the EU.
"As one of the world’s largest airlines, we always comply with all legal requirements and based on the judgement, we’ll advise customers of our approach in due course."
In its decision, the Supreme Court stated that Emirates' appeal did not raise an arguable point of law, because the Court of Justice of the European Union had already given a clear answer.
Andrew Haines, chief executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Emirates priority should be looking after its passengers, not finding ways in which they can prevent passengers accessing their rights. They have failed in their attempts to overturn the Court of Appeal Judgement, which now means that millions of pounds worth of compensation is due to its customers. It is time for Emirates to pay what is owed.”
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