Originally Posted by
xooz
I don't think I would bet on EU261 in these "extraordinary" times.
I would argue EC261/2004 still applies as
extraordinary circumstances is defined in regulation.
(15) Extraordinary circumstances should be deemed to exist where the impact of an air traffic management decision in relation to a particular aircraft on a particular day gives rise to a long delay, an overnight delay, or the cancellation of one or more flights by that aircraft, even though all reasonable measures had been taken by the air carrier concerned to avoid the delays or cancellations.
It was a straight up flight ban (eg 9/11), it would have been clear that EC261/2004 would not apply
As it is not a flight ban but ban on certain passengers leading to airlines to cut the flight instead of running at a loss (ghost flight), that's an airline decision.
Government bailout forthcoming.