Fes, Morocco: The Moroccan Ministry of Transport and Logistics has announced plans to align passenger rights with European standards, ensuring adequate compensation in case of flight disruptions.
During a meeting dedicated to the annual evaluation of public policies in the tourism sector, Mohamed Abdeljalil, Minister of Transport and Logistics, announced the establishment of new regulations aimed at protecting the rights of air passengers in case of flight delays or cancellations. The text will be submitted to the General Secretariat of the Government for approval. Initially prepared by his predecessor, the regulation had not been implemented due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he explained.
This regulation is part of Law No. 40.13 on the Civil Aviation Code, adopted by Parliament in 2016, according to L’Observateur du Maroc. The aim is to align the rights of Moroccan passengers with European standards, by guaranteeing adequate compensation in case of flight disruptions. A series of compensations for passengers according to the duration of the delay or cancellation of the flight are therefore specified in the text. For example, Moroccan passengers will benefit from a free meal in case of a two-hour delay and compensation of up to 600 euros or a replacement ticket in case of a three-hour delay. The magazine also mentions measures including specific conditions concerning overbooking. Even if it is allowed, it could damage the reputation of airlines.
It should be noted that the regulation complies with the provisions of the Montreal Convention, in force since November 2003, which covers various incidents, such as delays, loss of baggage, and injuries or death of passengers, with compensation of up to 113,100 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs).