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Minister demands compensation for Ryanair passengers | FairPlane UK / 18.09.2017
The Aviation minister Lord Callanan has insisted that Ryanair fully compensate all of the thousands of passengers who have been left stranded as a result of it cancelling over 160 of its flights over the weekend.
In a statement the minister said:
“We expect all airlines to fulfil their obligations to their customers and do everything possible to notify them well in advance of any disruption to their journey.
“In the event of any disruption or cancellation, airlines must ensure customers are fully compensated and every effort is made to provide alternative travel arrangements.”
The announcement follows the decision of the budget airline to cancel 40 to 50 flights a day for the next six weeks in a move to solve a problem created by changes to the pilots and cabin crew’s holiday rotas.
Ryanair has suggested that a change to its ‘holiday calendar’ has resulted in many members of staff simultaneously booking time off in an effort to use up annual leave before it’s lost at the end of the year.
The Times reported that the airline has also been accused of misleading passengers when it comes to clarifying their rights to flight compensation. The suggestion is that the airline had deliberately led passengers to think that they are not entitled to compensation and can only claim a refund or wait several days for a rescheduled flight.
Ryanair’s website is advising passengers that they are able to choose one of two options
1. Apply for a refund
2. Change your cancelled flight
What it fails to mention is the compensation of €250 to €400 that it is payable according to EU rules on flight delays, nor the obligation to pay for flights aboard other airlines “at the earliest opportunity”.
Additional costs to passengers
Many passengers are reporting that due to last minute notice of the cancellations, they have been forced to cancel non-refundable accommodation or book themselves on to alternative, more expensive flights. Others have actually been left stranded at the holiday locations whilst alternative flights are organised.
