Passengers who have been delayed on Ryanair flights are being urged, not to be fobbed off if the airline rejects claims for compensation.
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However, Ryanair has refused to pay full compensation for delays caused by technical faults and is attempting to impose a two-year claim limit from the date of the flight, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Ryanair, however, has written to the CAA, stressing it is complying with both Court of Appeal rulings and said it was “unsure why the CAA has threatened enforcement action”.
Airlines already have extensive powers to restrain and ban passengers – some foreign airlines have been known subdue drunken customers by seat-belting or even taping them to their chairs – so the clampdown is unlikely to require new legislation.
The CAA said it started the enforcement action against Ryanair, accusing the airline of not following the law.
She said Ryanair has requested an early meeting with the CAA to “clarify any misunderstandings that may have arisen in dealing with some historic cases”. It is our current policy to settle technical delay claims, and to accept claims made within six years of the date of the delay and this will continue to be our policy.
The CAA review covered the largest 15 airlines operating in the United Kingdom passenger traffic. That is why we are announcing this latest action against Ryanair today as our recent work has shown that they are not complying with this consumer law.
However, the CAA said that following a further review of information it is not satisfied Ryanair is dealing with the compensation claims in line with consumer law, citing that the UK Court of Appeal has clarified how such claims are to be treated, in the case of Jet2.com v Huzar.
Ryanair, Europe’s biggest low-budget carrier, has conflicted with the Civil Aviation Authority, England’s version of the FAA.
The regulator’s review of airline policies has led to Jet2, Aer Lingus and Wizz Air changing their positions.
Ryanair is now required to make policy changes or face the prospect of further enforcement steps leading to court action, if the airline remains non-compliant.
The Denied Boarding Regulation entitles air passengers delayed by three hours or more to claim up to €600, as long as the delay was not caused by “extraordinary circumstances”. “We support United Kingdom airlines’ efforts to deal with disruptive passengers to ensure the safety of all those on board, and welcome criminal prosecutions where appropriate”.
Passengers can claim compensation if they fly an European Union carrier or one from Iceland, Norway or Switzerland, which arrives or departs in European Union airports only.
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