Ryanair in trouble over its advertising

The British Advertising Standards Authority has reprimanded Ryanair for making misleading claims and using offensive language.

The advertising watchdog upheld complaints from rival carrier easyJet PLC and six members of the public who objected to two national press advertisements.

The ads claimed Ryanair has "the lowest fares, the fewest cancellations, the best punctuality" and called on travellers to fly with the airline if they want to avoid "delayed flights, cancelled flights".

The ASA told Ryanair to remove the claims, criticising the data the airline provided in support of them.

The watchdog also upheld complaints from 47 members of the public to an advert that appeared in the Daily Telegraph in the run-up to November 5 last year headlined "Fawking Great Offers!" and surrounded by illustrations of fireworks.

The ASA concluded the advert was likely to cause widespread offence to readers of the Daily Telegraph and told Ryanair not to repeat the approach.

The ASA has advised Ryanair to contact the Committee of Advertising Practice before advertising again.