Tuesday, June 4, 2024 The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced Monday that Lufthansa, South African Airways, and KLM Royal Dutch Airways will collectively pay $900 million in refunds to passengers for flights that were cancelled or significantly changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of holding airlines accountable, stating, “When a flight is cancelled or significantly changed, you shouldn’t have to fight with the airline to get your money back — and we’re holding airlines accountable when they fail to give passengers the refunds that they’re owed.” The majority of the $2.5 million in civil penalties assessed against the three airlines will be paid to the U.

S. Treasury, while the refunds will be issued directly to passengers. Lufthansa is required to pay $775 million in refunds, KLM Royal Dutch Airways will refund $113.

3 million, and South African Airways will pay $15.2 million. This refund announcement follows the DOT’s introduction of new regulations designed to protect passengers’ rights.

About a month ago, the DOT announced sweeping new rules for the airline industry, which mandate automatic cash refunds for passengers on significantly delayed flights. These new measures are part of an ongoing effort by the DOT to ensure fair treatment for passengers and greater accountability from airlines. The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread disruption in the travel industry, leading to num.