Ryanair slams compensation decision

Low-fares airline Ryanair has criticised the European Transport Ministry decision to impose compensation levels on low fares airlines in case of cancellations.

Ryanair says the compensation figures are up to six times the level of average fares.

The Council voted on a Commission proposal for compensation to passengers in cases of denied boarding, cancellation and long delay of flights.

However, Ryanair contends ''the low-fares airlines do not deny boarding to passengers, a practice that traditional airlines such as BA, Lufthansa and Air France engage in heavily to accommodate business passengers''

Ryanair Head of Communications Paul Fitzsimmons said: ''The proposed legislation does not protect comsumers and will in fact reverse many of the benefits that consumers have experienced from liberalisation of the airline industry.''

Mr Fitzsimmons adds ''On the level of compensation, it is ludicrous not to have the level set in relation to the airfare price. It has to be in relation to what the customer has paid.''