Just in passing, can anyone explain what DAE's obligations were in this case, in terms of providing refreshment, accommodation, monetary compensation, or any other assistance or relief?
And if it had obligations in what sense of 'obligation' was that (e.g. legal requirement, action required to meet standards set by some industry grouping)?
What would it have been reasonable to expect? What should standard airline behaviour be under such circumstances?
To sum up (and setting aside assorted additional shenanigans): An early evening flight was delayed by eventually a total of more than 15 hours. A family of four with two small children (and many other, but not all passengers) was obliged to spend a night on seats in the airport. Refreshments were provided to the tune of a cup of fruit juice each only after many hours, and eventually a coupon for a modest breakfast the following morning. No attempt was made to communicate with English-speaking passengers (although bookings are accepted in English, the airline serves [if that's the right word] US and other English-speaking destinations, and is based, I believe, in Curaçao, where English is very widely spoken). No accommodation was offered, nor was there any offer of any other form of compensation.
As you may be able to tell, I assume, on the evidence of its behaviour so far, that any attempt to obtain redress from the airline will be more trouble than it is worth. But what would you do?
With thanks for any enlightenment.
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