Finavia not liable for compensation over flight delays at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport due to security issues
According to a legal assessment by the Consumer Association of Finland, airport operator Finavia is not liable for compensation if a traveler misses their flight due to security checkpoint delays. “Finavia performs a public administrative task, and therefore passengers cannot seek compensation from Finavia for lost flights,” explains Juha Beurling-Pomoell, Secretary-General of the Consumer Association. Although security checks are a mandatory part of boarding, airlines are not responsible for their management.
Significant delays at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport earlier this month were attributed to changes in carry-on liquid restrictions and insufficient staffing at security checks. The Consumer Association announced last week that it would investigate how responsibilities are assigned when passengers miss their flights due to security line congestion, a concern raised by travelers.
Beurling-Pomoell clarified that a passenger does not have a consumer relationship with Finavia unless they have purchased services from them. Typically, passengers have a consumer relationship with the airline. If an airline has provided incorrect information about new liquid restrictions or failed to inform passengers of changes, the airline could potentially be held liable for compensation to consumers.
The Secretary-General noted that each case is handled individually, emphasizing that the burden of proof lies with the passenger. Travelers must demonstrate that their delay was specifically due to the airline’s inadequate communication rather than personal negligence.
The Consumer Association advises passengers who miss flights due to security delays to first seek compensation from their airline. If that is unsuccessful, they can contact consumer advisory services or escalate the matter to the Consumer Disputes Board. Lastly, they might also check with their travel insurance provider for possible compensation related to missed flights.