Spain has imposed significant fines totaling 179 million euros on five budget airlines, including Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet, Norwegian, and Volotea, for violating consumer protection regulations. The penalties address practices such as charging fees for hand luggage, seat reservations, and other additional costs deemed unjustifiable. Ryanair alone faces a record fine of 107.8 million euros, while Vueling and EasyJet face fines of 39.3 million and 29.1 million euros, respectively.
The Spanish Consumer Affairs Ministry has taken this decisive action to safeguard consumer rights, a move applauded by consumer advocacy groups like Facua. These organizations have long campaigned against what they consider exploitative practices by airlines. With the fines in place, affected customers are now entitled to refunds for the fees they were charged inappropriately.
Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, has expressed strong opposition to the fines, labeling them as 'illegal and unfounded.' He argues that these practices are permissible under the EU's Open Skies agreement and warns that banning them could jeopardize low-cost fares. The Spanish Airlines Association is also set to appeal the decision, emphasizing the legality of the fees within current regulatory frameworks.
Despite the airlines' planned appeals, the Spanish government remains firm in its stance on consumer protection. This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle between consumer rights groups and budget airlines over additional charges, highlighting the potential for regulatory change in the airline industry.
