Skyup/Other Ukrainian Airlines - Information.

CKhalvashi

Good evening all,

Just wanted to share a cancellation experience with Skyup Airlines (they don't fly to the UK), however it's directly related to Ukraine International Airlines (who do, and are a reasonably sized transfer carrier for UK passengers).

Flight booked February, my card was charged in Euro (Don't ask why, I didn't request, want or need it, so I don't know), tickets were priced in US Dollars, however an equivalent was given in Ukrainian Hrivna.

SkyUp have cancelled flights to/from Georgia for the summer season, naturally this lead to a cancellation, no problem I thought, except on the dashboard, they want to refund in UAH, despite this not being the currency of booking. The currency has depreciated around 20% since February.

I've just received legal confirmation that Ukrainian law largely mirrors EU law (almost to the letter), a full refund has to be made, and it has to be in the currency of charge. If you're in a similar situation, pop the airline an e-mail and remind them of this. If not, you have the right to chargeback. A refund must (despite the airline saying 6 months) be completed within 7 days. Link (in Ukrainian) here if you need it for a Credit Card company. Be aware that if you choose to wait, you will be at their mercy, as you can only chargeback 120 days from the date of cancellation.

You're better off at this point accepting the refund than the 120% voucher too, just in case that needs to be taken into account.

CKhalvashi

Update: SkyUp are attempting to fight the chargeback, on which terms I'm not 100% sure.

They are in breach of Ukrainian legislation, therefore no recourse should be available to them. Hopefully they will be rightly unsuccessful in this.

An e-mail advising that they will be liable for any legal fees incurred in fighting them should they continue with their vexatious actions has been sent.