Boy left behind at Rome airport by Wizz Air due to overbooking on flight to Keflavik

A 14-year-old boy was left behind at a Rome airport by Wizz Air due to overbooking on a flight meant for Keflavik. His family has encountered limited responses from both the airline and Italian authorities regarding the situation.

Arna Ösp Herdísardóttir, the boy’s mother, has reached out to Wizz Air and has also contacted the airport management in Rome and the European Union’s consumer rights department. A statement from the Transport Agency in response to media inquiries last week clarified that according to EU regulations, airlines must seek volunteers to relinquish their bookings in case of overbooking, thereby ensuring compensation and assistance for affected passengers. However, Arna indicated that this procedure was not followed, and she is waiting for clarification on possible actions regarding this oversight.

Wizz Air acknowledged the family’s right to compensation, offering €400 due to the flight cancellation. However, a request for reimbursement of expenses incurred when purchasing new tickets has gone unanswered. The family had to book a new flight on the same day, costing them 175,000 krónur (approximately €1,200). The only alternative offered by Wizz was a flight scheduled a week later.

Arna has stated her intention to continue pursuing the matter with the airline. The family’s experience has raised concerns about the handling of overbooking by Wizz Air and the company’s customer service response.