Spanish authorities have levied substantial fines against several budget airlines, with Ryanair bearing the brunt of a €108 million penalty for what officials deemed ‘abusive’ charging practices. The Dublin-based carrier leads a group of five low-cost airlines hit with combined penalties totalling €179 million.
The Spanish consumer rights ministry’s crackdown targets controversial practices including charges for cabin baggage and seat reservation fees. Vueling, owned by British Airways’ parent company International Airlines Group, received a €39 million fine, whilst easyJet faces a €29 million penalty. Smaller fines were imposed on Norwegian and Volotea, at €1.6 million and €1.2 million respectively.
The ministry’s ruling aims to prohibit several common budget airline practices, including extra fees for hand luggage and mandatory paid seat reservations for passengers travelling with children or dependants. The controversial practice of charging for boarding pass printing also faces scrutiny.
Ryanair’s chief executive Michael O’Leary has strongly contested the fines, labelling them “illegal” and warning they would “destroy the ability of low-cost airlines to pass on cost savings to consumers via lower fares”. O’Leary argues the legislation underpinning the fines dates from the 1960s, predating Spain’s EU membership.
The Airline Association has criticised the decision as “nonsensical”, noting Spain would become the only EU country to ban cabin baggage charges. The organisation’s president, Javier Gándara, warns the ruling could harm passengers by limiting their ability to customise travel services according to their needs.
The airlines have announced their intention to challenge the fines through legal channels, whilst Spanish Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy maintains that no company, regardless of size, stands above consumer protection laws.
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