WRITTEN QUESTION E-0460/01

by Paulo Casaca (PSE) to the Commission

(19 February 2001)

Subject: Traveller's thrombosis

The Commission, in its reply to Question E-2020/99(1) (tabled by the author of the present question) relating to seating conditions in air passenger transport, stated that it would examine the matter on the basis of a consultation document.

Surprisingly, the consultation document states, in paragraph 2.1, not only that further research and proofs are needed concerning traveller's thrombosis if action is to be taken on the matter, but, furthermore, that limited passenger space makes for greater protection if there is an emergency landing.

Almost a year on, the author of this question has encountered no scientific proof for the notion that confining air passengers in a highly restricted space improves passenger safety. On the contrary, numerous scientific publications, factual evidence and public opinion all back up the view that traveller's thrombosis is one of the consequences of the policy of enclosing passengers in a confined space. Certain studies even suggest that thrombosis may occur in as many cases as one in a thousand (Aerospace Medical Association Air Transport Medicine Committee, Traveller's Thrombosis, Deep Vein Thrombosis associated with Travel, January 2001).

Traveller's thrombosis is only one of the more obvious consequences of the inhuman treatment frequently inflicted on passengers by airlines: cases in point include rheumatic ailments, claustrophobia, and even syndromes such as air rage a phenomenon which the Commission document refers to in detail, but without any consideration of its possible causes.

Given the above:

1. Does the Commission not consider it necessary, as a matter of urgency, to review its position on the confinement of air passengers in restricted spaces?

2. Does the Commission not consider that the principles already existing in EU law concerning minimum spaces for the transportation of poultry, pigs and other livestock should be extended to the transport of human beings by air?

(1) OJ C 219 E, 1.8.2000, p. 68.

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(8 May 2001)

The Commission is aware that long-distance transport of passengers by air may increase the risk of thrombosis or affect passengers' health in other ways. However, it does not believe that current knowledge justifies a legislative proposal from the Commission, and believes a review needs to be made of studies conducted by scientists from around the world before any conclusions are drawn regarding possible Community action to protect passenger health, including reserving passenger space for reasons other than rapid evacuation of aircraft.

The consultation which the World Health Organisation (WHO) organised on this subject on 12 and 13 March 2001 confirmed the lack of concrete evidence linking the risk of thrombosis to air travel. The WHO is proposing to undertake a series of epidemiological studies on the risk, the scale of the problem and the risk factors, studies to isolate the environmental factors (cabin pressure, oxygen levels, consumption of alcohol and lack of exercise) and, lastly, a study of the effectiveness of various preventive measures. A number of airline companies appear interested in contributing to, and helping to finance, these studies.

The Commission intends to follow the progress of research in this area closely. To this end, it will also take account of the results of a research project entitled Dynasafe, which is being funded under the Community's Fifth framework programme of research and development(1).

(1) COM(97) 553 final.