Controversial ruling in Frankfurt: Airlines obliged to carry delayed passengers
A landmark ruling by the Frankfurt am Main Regional Court (case number: 2-24 S 93/24) has strengthened the rights of air travelers who arrive late at the gate but still attempt to catch their flight. The court ruled that under certain circumstances, passengers may be entitled to compensation if they are denied boarding even though boarding has not yet been completed. This decision, which was handed down in the case of five travelers against an airline, is causing controversy in the aviation industry and could have far-reaching consequences for check-in processes at airports. The ruling sheds light on the fine nuances of airlines' duty of care and the expectation that passengers will arrive on time. The facts: Delay at the gate and denied boarding The case, which was heard before the Frankfurt Regional Court, concerned a lawsuit by five travelers who had booked a flight from Frankfurt am Main to Doha. Their boarding passes clearly stated that the gate would close 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The flight was scheduled to depart at 17:35 p.m., so the gate closing time was set for 17:15 p.m. However, the five passengers reached the gate shortly after this time, whereupon an airline employee refused them boarding. The decisive twist in the case, however, lay in the fact that the aircraft was still at the gate at that time. In addition, other passengers were waiting to board the plane. These circumstances formed the core of the five travelers' claim. They demanded compensation of 600 euros per person, based on the provisions of the European Air Passenger Rights Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004.
