The Spanish government imposed a heavy fine of 179 million euros on Friday, November 22, 2024, on five low-cost airlines, accused of abusive practices towards passengers, particularly in the invoicing of seats and hand luggage.
This decision, announced by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, primarily targets the Irish company Ryanair, which faces a fine of 107.7 million euros. Vueling (39.3 million fines), Easyjet (29.1 million), Norwegian (1.6 million) and Volotea (1.2 million) are also affected.
According to the ministry, these five companies were sanctioned for charging for passengers' hand luggage, but also for charging travelers for the choice of seat when they accompany dependent people, such as disabled people or children.
The fine also sanctions the ban decided by these companies on paying in cash for the purchase of tickets, and the introduction of a fee deemed “disproportionate and abusive” for printing boarding passes at airports.
“This sanction sends a very clear message that no company, no matter how large or powerful, is above the law.”assured the Minister of Consumer Affairs Pablo Bustinduy, member of the radical left platform Sumar, by making these fines public.
The practices highlighted concern “millions of people” et “have been denounced for years by consumer associations”he continued. Gold, “we cannot tolerate economic models that are based on the violation of consumer rights”he insisted.
The consumer association Facua, at the origin of this procedure, reported on May 31 a fine of “more than 150 million euros” imposed on four airlines. She then clarified that these were provisional sanctions, subject to appeal.
In its press release, the ministry indicated on Friday that it had “rejected” the appeals filed by the companies, which however have the possibility of appealing, but this time before a court and no longer before the administration.
“The sanctions also include an express ban on continuing the practices that have been sanctioned”specifies the ministry.
“A slap in the face for travelers”
The Facua association, which has been denouncing these commercial practices for several years, accused of illegally inflating company profits to the detriment of consumers, welcomed the decision in a press release. “historical” of the government.
“These sanctions are the highest ever applied by a consumer protection authority” in Spain, she assured, specifying that “users” could “claim refund” additional fees imposed in recent years by these companies.
“These illegal and unfounded fines were decided by the Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs for political reasons and are clearly contrary to European law”Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary reacted, announcing an appeal.
These fines “will be overturned by European courts, which have repeatedly defended the right of European airlines to set their prices and policies without government interference”added Mr. O'Leary, quoted in a press release.
“Banning all airlines from charging for carry-on baggage means the cost will be automatically included in all tickets”added Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, an organization bringing together more than 330 companies from around the world.
“Far from protecting the interests of consumers, it is a slap in the face for travelers who want to have choice”he insisted.
In a press release, the Spanish Airlines Association (ALA) denounced a “unilateral decision” on the part of the Spanish government, bearing according to it “attack on the free market” and likely to weaken Spain compared to other markets.
Contrary to what the executive demands, the companies will maintain “unchanged” their pricing policy, particularly with regard to hand luggage, while waiting for the courts “can decide” on the appeals that the companies planned to file.
