In the early hours of Tuesday (11), the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) suspended, on the precautionary basis, all operations of the airline Voepass.
The company, formed by Passardo Transportes Aéreos and MAP Linhas Aéreas, had been operating with a fleet of six aircraft on flights to 17 destinations and many passengers can be harmed in this process, so the Infomoney He went to listen to experts to find out what rights of those who bought tickets with the company.
The decision was made after the “violation of the conditioning” was found that would ensure the continuity of the operation within the required safety standards.
Since the accident in Vinhedo (SP), in August 2024, which victimized 62 people, Voepass was under Anac’s supervision.
Users’ rights
According to experts, Brazilian law has guarantees to protect passengers who bought VOEPASS tickets. However, the only obstacle can be the stoppage of the company’s activities. Lawyer Ana Luíza Kadi, partner of Fábio Kadi Advogados, explains that the company needs to offer alternatives, such as relocation on flights from other airlines. If this is not done, consumers are entitled to restitution of the amount paid, according to ANAC resolution 400.
“If there is no agreement, consumers may also claim compensation for moral damage due to the frustration of the expectation of the trip. This provision is expressed in Article 14 of the Consumer Protection Code (CDC), ”he said.
Continues after advertising
Options for passengers
Lawyer Leo Rosenbaum, a specialist in consumer law and air passenger law, defines that there are two main options for Voepass customers:
- Comprehensive refund: The passenger may require the total return of the amount paid without discounts or fines, as the cancellation was an ANAC decision.
- Recomodation: The consumer can be relocated to another company flight at no additional cost, provided there is availability.
However, the expert warns that Voepass faces operational difficulties since the accident in Vineyard, which can make refund and re -regularity difficult. “In case of resistance from the company, passengers can resort to Anac, Procon or trigger justice, although receipt may be time consuming if the company goes into financial crisis,” he says.
Recommendations
- Contact VOEPASS or travel agency: Request reimbursement or re -registration immediately and store order evidence.
2. Document damage: If there are extra expenses such as lodging and transportation, store all receipts for any refund.
Continues after advertising
3. Follow the situation: Constantly check if the company announces solutions for affected customers.
4. Seek legal assistance: If VOEPASS does not meet the demands, it is possible to resort to regulatory bodies or the judiciary.
ANAC has not yet reported a deadline for the resumption of VOEPASS operations, which must prove the regularization of its nonconformities to return to operate in Brazil.
