Tourist Unable to Travel to Bali Due to Health Issues
Date: April 16, 2025
Source: Profi.Travel
A tourist’s holiday plans were abruptly halted when she experienced health issues during her flight to Bali. The situation unfolded during a recent Aeroflot flight from Moscow to Denpasar, which made an unexpected stop in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, due to the passenger’s deteriorating condition.
Health Emergency During Flight
As reported by RIA Novosti, the flight’s commander made the decision to land in Tashkent on April 15 after consulting with medical professionals onboard. Upon landing, the passenger was promptly transferred to a medical team for assistance. Despite receiving medical care, the airline officials strongly advised her to return to Russia rather than continue to her intended destination.
The travel agency where the tourist booked her holiday has since raised concerns regarding the potential for refunding the costs of her flight and accommodation, given that her decision to terminate the trip was not voluntary.
Legal Implications and Refund Policies
Legal expert Igor Kositsyn, who specializes in tourism law, provided insights into the refund situation. According to Article 108 of the Air Code, refunds for flight tickets are typically granted only if travelers notify the airline of their intention to cancel before the check-in process begins. In this scenario, since the journey had already commenced, and the airline had provided some level of service, formal grounds for a refund may be limited.
"It should be noted that round-trip tickets are often considered a single ticket, which complicates refund eligibility. It is possible that Aeroflot may choose to issue a refund as a gesture of goodwill, but they are not obligated to do so," Kositsyn explained.
Regarding accommodation expenses, the legal expert stated that the refunds would likely reflect only the actual costs incurred by the service provider, with the potential for the tourist to dispute the outcome through legal channels if she disagrees with this approach.
Conclusion
While the tourist’s illness does allow for the cancellation of her travel contract, this does not guarantee a full refund for services not utilized, particularly regarding air travel. Travelers facing similar situations are encouraged to remain informed about their rights and any applicable laws that may affect their refunds.
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