Q: Last month my wife and I planned a holiday in Italy. We paid everything at the time of booking, including departure and airport taxes. Unfortunately, due to a serious family illness, we had to cancel the holiday.

We would like to know whether we are entitled to a refund of the taxes we paid. These amounted to around €90. If we are entitled to such a refund, how can we make our claim?

A: Yes, you are entitled to a refund of the taxes paid. These should be claimed directly from the airline where you purchased your flight tickets. If you bought the tickets through a travel agency, you can make your request for refund through the agency.

You should be aware that airlines/agencies may have an administration charge to process your claim for the tax refund.

If you are refused this refund, you may file a claim with the Office for Consumer Affairs at the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.

If you purchased a travel insurance after buying your flight tickets, then you may also be entitled to claim a refund of the air tickets (since the reason for cancelling the flight is a serious family illness). You should therefore check your travel insurance policy and, if applicable, make a claim for the tickets’ refund.