Ryanair accused of profiteering by charging 50c wheelchair levy

RYANAIR has been accused of profiteering as it was confirmed that the airline has been charging its passengers more than 50% above the official rate for a wheelchair levy that must be paid by all air travellers.

The Consumers’ Association of Ireland last night called on the National Consumer Agency to investigate a situation where Ryanair has been overcharging passengers using Irish airports by almost €1 million per annum.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) ruled yesterday that the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) is entitled under EU legislation to impose a wheelchair levy of 33 cent on all passengers since September 2008. The airport authority yesterday welcomed the ruling.

However, Ryanair has continued to charge passengers using the airport a levy of 50c, even though the airline itself insists the actual cost of the service is much less than even the official rate. Ryanair collects the wheelchair levy on behalf of the DAA.

The Irish Examiner understands that the 50c levy is imposed by Ryanair on passengers using Cork and Shannon, even though the actual charge set by the DAA for both airports is 45c.

Ryanair continues to charge a 50c levy even though the airline maintains that the real cost is 12c and is only paying that figure to the DAA. It has also threatened to withhold €1,000 from the DAA for any flight delayed by the provision of wheelchair assistance.

The consumers’ association last night criticised Ryanair for abusing its dominant position. “There is no need for Ryanair to carry on such a clear profit-making exercise,” said its chief executive Dermott Jewell.

A spokesperson for the National Consumer Agency said it would examine the issue as part of a wider investigation into various taxes, fees and charges imposed by all airlines.

Ryanair did not respond to requests for a comment last night.