Choice welcomes aviation reforms

Consumer watchdog Choice has welcomed the new Aviation Consumer Protection Bill 2026 introduced by the Australian Parliament.

It establishes an independent ombuds scheme for travel complaints, a new regulator, and lays groundwork for fresh aviation consumer protections.

+ An Aviation Consumer Protection Charter will set minimum standards that aviation consumers can expect from airlines and airports.

+ The new bill provides for systemic monitoring, compliance and enforcement through the Aviation Consumer Protection Authority (the new regulator).

+ And it enables authorisation of the Aviation Consumer Ombuds Scheme to settle externals.

Choice has long campaigned for stronger travel rights and an independent ombuds scheme. Indeed, 32,000 Choice supporters signed the petition calling for stronger travel rights.

And Director of Campaigns at Choice, Andy Kelly, says the announcement is timely, as many Australians face travel chaos due to global disruptions.

“When things go wrong, consumers need stronger protections and an independent body that will take their complaints seriously,” he adds.

“As escalating global conflict and volatile fuel prices make travel plans unpredictable once again, providing consumers with an independent avenue to resolve complaints if things go wrong will be a significant step forward.”

“While these reforms fell short of a European-style compensation scheme, these changes should force airlines to provide fair remedies for cancellations and unreasonable delays.”