Ryanair must pay ash cloud travel costs

Ryanair and other airlines must cover the costs of travellers whose flights have been cancelled even if the reason is outside the control of the carrier, according to lawyers in the European Court of Justice.

Denise McDonagh from Dublin is suing Ryanair for over €1,120 after her flight from Faro in Portugal was cancelled after the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull! grounded flights in Apr 2010.

She had to spend nine days in Portugal waiting for a return flight, but when she claimed for accommodation and other costs due under EU legislation, Ryanair refused to pay.