The number of bags mislaid, damaged or lost during layovers at European airports was "excessive and unacceptable," the European Commission Vice President responsible for transport, Antonio Tajani, said on July 28 2009.

The number of bags delayed at an airport amounted to 4.6 million between January 2008 and October 2008 in the European Union.

In 2008 32.8 million pieces of luggage were reported lost around the world, which amounts to a decrease of 20 per cent compared to 2007 when 42.4 million were reported lost.

In effect, one piece of luggage has been reported missing for every 64 passengers.

Although there is now a decrease following five years of growth, this does not reduce the seriousness of the problem, Tajani said.

The figures were revealed as a result of an inquiry started by the European Commission in March 2009 following reports about the lost luggage problem at airports. The inquiry set out to assess the scope of the problem and evaluate possible solutions.

"In order to protect passengers' rights adequately, we should provide citizens with the appropriate instruments. For the time being these instruments are not available," Tajani said.
 
Airlines and airports have reiterated their commitment to improving the registration and management of luggage in order to improve the situation. Passengers who are affected often struggle to get reimbursed up to the maximum of about 1100 euro.

"The Commission will continue to monitor the situation and is considering ways to improve current legislation," the EC said.