German travel arbitration board posts complaints record

Germany's travel and transport arbitration board registered a record number of complaints in the first half of this year, caused largely by bad weather in the spring and war in the Gulf region, according to figures released on Sunday.

More than 29,400 arbitration applications were made during the first six months of 2026.

The sharp rise was attributed in part to greater awareness on the part of consumers owing to the use of artificial intelligence. The board noted that other consumer complaints offices were noticing a similar phenomenon.

Aviation was responsible for 83% of complaints, with cancellation due to weather, strikes and war being to blame.

Rail travel complaints came in at 14% of the total applications, with delays caused by poor and overburdened infrastructure the main cause.

The travel arbitration board said it had reached agreement in more than 80% of all cases, with travellers in most cases receiving full compensation for their claims.

It is expecting a similar record in the second half, as more complaints are registered during the summer high season.

The board has been in operation since 2010. Most of the complaints refer to delays or cancellation of flights or trains. Some 400 travel companies participate in the mediation process, which is financed by them.