airBaltic Estonian Unit Removed from Blacklist

Latvian national airline airBaltic has announced that its Estonian unit has been removed from the blacklist of the Estonian Consumer Protection and Technical Surveillance Authority (TTJA). The authority had placed the company on the list on July 13 for not complying with a decision by the Consumer Disputes Commission.

According to the airline, the compensation to the passenger was actually paid on time, but due to an administrative error, the information did not reach TTJA. After clarifying the circumstances, it became clear that the issue was not the lack of payment but the transmission of information.

The dispute arose over compensation for delayed baggage. Three travelers flying from Tenerife to Tallinn received their suitcase on January 3, although it was supposed to arrive on January 1. Since essential items were in the luggage, they purchased new clothes and toiletries. One passenger claimed compensation of 1,540 euros from airBaltic.

The airline rejected the claim, citing its own rules that limit reimbursement for delayed baggage to 10 euros per passenger per day for a maximum of four days, totaling 120 euros. Additionally, airBaltic argued that some purchases were not justified.

The Consumer Disputes Commission disagreed with the airline's limit, stating that the Montreal Convention holds carriers liable for losses due to baggage delay. The commission found justified compensation of 214 euros for clothing and toothbrushes but not for cosmetic products.

The Estonian unit remained on the blacklist from July 13. According to regulations, a company stays on the list until the decision is fulfilled, but for no longer than one year.

Separately, airBaltic's group revenue last year increased by 4.2% to 779.344 million euros, while losses decreased 2.7 times to 44.337 million euros. The Latvian state owns 88.37% of shares, Germany's Lufthansa 10%, and other investors 1.63%.