Airlines deny passing on inflated fees to fliers

Ryanair and Aer Lingus deny claims by Dublin Airport Authority that they are earning a profit of between 30% and 50% on the fees and charges they pass on to customers.

In an inquiry into the proposed merger between the airlines, the UK competition commission interviewed the DAA and reported that it had seen a mismatch between the fees it levied on the two airlines and the fees charged to customers as a result of taxes and charges.

“Based on charges observed at various dates it appeared that the airlines were earning margins of between 30% and 50% on what were presented to customers as taxes and charges,” the Competition Commission noted in a memo recording an interview with the DAA.