A British law court cleared the way today for a class action against up to 30 airlines worldwide over blood clots suffered by passengers who made long-haul flights, dubbed economy class syndrome.
"We are delighted that the court has put in place the machinery to resolve this issue efficiently and effectively," Mr Des Collins, senior partner at Watford-based Collins Solicitors representing the claimants said.
Lawyers representing both parties effectively agreed on a draft order to open the class action at the High Court in London.
The courts will now seek approval of the draft order from the Lord Chief Justice before the legal battle over deep-vein thrombosis begins later this year.
World airlines have said there is no definitive proof linking deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) to air travel, but some have agreed to help a World Health Organisation study into whether a link exists between DVT and air travel.