Ryanair accused of failing to compensate delayed passengers

RYANAIR is under investigation by the British aviation authorities over allegations that it is flouting new EU laws which oblige airlines to compensate passengers for cancelled and delayed flights.

The British Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed it is currently examining the manner in which Ryanair is applying the new rules. It is understood the British Air Transport Users Group has passed on dozens of complaints to the CAA about Ryanair since the legislation came into effect on February 17 last.

Under EU law, airlines must now offer free meals, drinks and phone calls for short-haul flights delayed by more than two hours. In some cases, it must also offer overnight accommodation and refunds.

According to Ryanair’s deputy chief executive Michael Cawley, only one Ryanair flight on average per month experiences an overnight delay.

However, letters issued by Ryanair to customers who complain about the airline’s service state that Ryanair “will not provide compensation for meals, etc, as our services do not include free meals/snacks on board and nor do our low air fares.”

Many responses from Ryanair are personally signed by the airline’s chief executive Michael O’Leary who is vehemently opposed to the new EU rules.

Letters addressed to complainants also claim the legislation is “illogical and unjust” and “discriminatory” because it does not apply to other forms of transport.

The International Air Transport Association and the European Low Fares Airlines Association, who have mounted a legal challenge against the European Commission, claim the new rules will ultimately lead to higher air fares.

However, the European Court of Justice has refused to suspend implementation of the legislation pending the outcome of the case.

Earlier this month, the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) in Ireland also criticised Ryanair’s attitude to implementing the compensation scheme. It is understood the CAR received about 50 complaints from Ryanair passengers the first six weeks since it took on responsibility for processing such cases.