ILT — Dutch supervisor for EU 261

The Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport (ILT) is the Dutch government body supervising airlines operating in/out of the Netherlands. For EU 261 claims, ILT is your first escalation step when the airline ignores you or rejects your claim unfairly.

When to go to ILT? Only after you have approached the airline yourself in writing (our claim letter takes care of that) and either received no response within a reasonable time (guideline: 6-8 weeks) or a rejection you consider unjustified. ILT requires proof that you contacted the company first.

How to file? Online via ilent.nl/onderwerpen/passagiersrechten/luchtvaart. Upload: booking confirmation, boarding pass, correspondence with the airline, and a copy of your claim letter. Processing time is usually 3-6 months.

What does ILT do? ILT is not a court — they don't award you damages personally. But they can: (1) issue a warning to the airline, (2) impose enforcement measures for systematic violations, (3) give you an advisory that you can use in later proceedings. For airlines, an ILT enforcement measure is costly — hence a well-substantiated ILT complaint often results in payment after all.

Important: the 2-year limitation period for EU 261 claims (Art. 8:1835 BW) keeps running during an ILT procedure. File your court proceeding in time if ILT doesn't give you the resolution you want.