The eruption of a volcano in the Eyjafjallajoekull region in Iceland, which has disrupted air travel throughout Europe, was an uncommon event, but that alone did not mean that passenger rights were being cancelled along with their flights, the European Commission said on April 16.

EC vice-president and transport commissioner Siim Kallas praised national authorities for their "swift and appropriate action to safeguard the public" by closing airspace and airports, as well as the "excellent co-ordination and co-operation at European level."

"But even in exceptional circumstances EU passenger rights continue to apply and air travellers should speak up to claim their rights," he said in a statement.

"This is a situation which is causing immense difficulties for passengers travelling throughout Europe. It can be considered a very exceptional circumstance. Nevertheless, it is important to remind passengers and airlines that EU passenger rights do apply in this situation," Kallas said.

That included the right to receive information from airline on flight delays and cancellations; the right to care, which meant refreshments, meals or accommodation; and the right to chose between reimbursement of fares or be re-routed to final destination.

However, since the flight delays and cancellations were attributable to exceptional circumstances, rather than a fault of the airlines, the passengers were not entitled to additional financial compensation, the EC statement said.