The Department of Transport has given the Commission for Aviation Regulation new powers to strengthen rights for air passengers.
The commission will now be able to compel airlines and tour operators to compensate passengers with valid complaints of being denied boarding, and who encounter overbookings, cancellations or long delays.
However, delays or cancellations caused by events that cannot be controlled, such as adverse weather, will not qualify for compensation.
The European Commission is taking action against the Government over its failure to designate a body to enforce new EU passenger rights.
