Ryanair probed over ‘no-show’ passenger cash

RYANAIR bosses will go before an Oireachtas Committee today to clarify their position on tax and insurance refunds for “no-show” passengers.

The Transport Committee will examine claims that the airline is pocketing up to €27m annually from airport charges and government taxes paid by passengers who don’t make their flights. Committee spokesperson Eoin Ryan is demanding that Ryanair reveal how much money it makes from these passengers.

“Almost 900,000 passengers fail to turn up for Ryanair flights every year, despite having paid tax and insurance which on average amounts to €30. This sum is not paid back by Ryanair to the passenger if he or she fails to fly,” Deputy Eoin Ryan said.

The allegation has already sparked a war of words between the airline and Aer Rianta.

Because the passengers have not travelled, the money is not passed on to the respective airports and is retained by the airline, Aer Rianta said.

Ryanair has scoffed at the accusations and hit back at Aer Rianta.

Ryanair said its terms and conditions state that bookings are non-refundable, but can be changed three hours before departure. All consumers are made aware of these terms, and agree to accept them.