Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
06 December 2018 09:05
There were several disruptions to Ryanair services this summer
Ryanair could be slapped with enforcement action from the airline regulator after it refused compensation for passengers hit by flight disruption caused by staff taking strike action.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the low-cost carrier has rejected compensation claims and has now ended its agreement with AviationADR - a CAA-approved body used for resolving passenger complaints.
The CAA does not believe the strikes count as "extraordinary circumstances", as Ryanair has claimed, meaning compensation should be paid to passengers.
Widespread strikes
Ryanair's flights were hit by widespread strikes over the summer by pilot and cabin crews, while it also suffered amid the industry-wide air traffic control industrial action that saw thousands of flights cancelled across Europe.
The CAA said passengers with an existing claim will now have to wait until the outcome of its enforcement action against the airline.
The watchdog has made repeated calls for Ryanair to compensate passengers affected by staff strikes.
While airlines can refuse to pay out for "extraordinary circumstances", such as bad weather or air traffic controller strikes, they must pay compensation for disruption caused by strikes held by their own employees.
Severe disruption
Ryanair warned over profits in October after it was stung by strike action, combined with higher oil prices.
It has seen the strike action knock passenger confidence in the company, revealing in October that passengers made fewer forward bookings into the third quarter, including for the October school half-term and Christmas.
Since the summer of severe disruption, Ryanair has been securing a series of agreements with unions across Europe over wages and benefits.
The latest was announced on Tuesday, with German pilots' union VC.
If you're heading away on a city break, get the travel insurance that meets your needs by checking out our dedicated city breaks travel insurance.
18 April 2019
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.
[more...]
16 April 2019
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.
Experience Seville's intoxicating Feria de Abril and discover Andalucía's most famous festival! Here's your ultimate guide to La Feria.
01 April 2019
Songkran is Thailand's famous New Year's festival - and the world's biggest water fight. Here's everything you need to know before you plan your trip.
Travelling to Thailand? Learn the important local traditions and cultures to ensure you act respectfully in 'The land of a thousand smiles.'
Travelling overseas with young children? Make going through the airport easy and stress-free by following these top tips for surviving the airport with kids when flying.
25 March 2019
Discover the best places to learn to scuba dive! Check out our list of top dive locations around the world that are perfect for scuba diving beginners.
Looking for some late-season skiing? Here are some of the best places for spring skiing in Europe where you can enjoy reliable snow cover.
19 March 2019
Looking for adventure? Create your perfect Scandinavian weekend with these alternative city break ideas.
Lower your blood pressure with these fresh, healthy foods you can add to your diet.
02 March 2019
A Flybe flight was forced to abort take-off due to the cabin filling with "smoke" while it was accelerating along the runway at Exeter Airport.