Spain Fines Low-Cost Airlines €179 Million for Passenger Rights Violations
Spain's Minister of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, Pablo Bustinduy, has announced hefty fines totaling €179 million imposed on five low-cost airlines for abusive practices towards passengers. The penalty stems from violations concerning additional charges for basic services that should be offered without extra costs. Among the airlines penalized, Ryanair stands out as the most affected, incurring a substantial €107.77 million fine.
The other airlines fined include Vueling (€39.26 million), EasyJet (€29 million), Norwegian (€16 million), and Volotea (€11.8 million). This fine encompasses charges for essential services such as hand luggage, boarding pass printing, and contiguous seat assignments for minors or dependent individuals—services deemed basic passenger rights by the Ministry.
Additionally, the airlines faced penalties for misleading omissions of information and a lack of clarity in their published prices. These practices impeded consumers from effectively comparing prices and making informed decisions when purchasing tickets, both on airline websites and by third-party sellers.
The Ministry categorized these violations as very serious, permitting fines of between six to eight times the profit derived from such practices. This measure aims to deter low-cost airlines from imposing charges for fundamental services, thereby reinforcing consumer rights protection. It marks a significant step in safeguarding passengers against what the government sees as exploitative operations in the airline industry.
This notable enforcement of penalties represents the first instance of the General State Administration exercising its sanctioning powers in the domain of consumer rights since June 2022. The regulatory process began over a year ago and has culminated in these landmark resolutions.
With this final determination, the Spanish government aims to send a robust message to low-cost airlines, underscoring the importance of adhering to regulations and respecting passenger rights. The airlines now have a two-month window to file an administrative contentious appeal before the Contentious Administrative Chamber of the National Court. If they do not pursue this legal avenue, the fines will come into effect.
As the airline sector continues to expand and evolve, this decision underscores the need for clear regulations and consumer protection mechanisms that ensure fair treatment for all passengers.
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