Spanish government to fine European airlines a total of €179 million for passenger charges

Five budget airlines, including easyJet, have been fined by Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs for their hand luggage charges, and for charging passengers to sit next to one another when travelling with children or disabled people. The government has said it plans to altogether ban these airline regulations.

Ryanair was charged €108 million, followed by Vueling (€39 million) and easyJet (€29 million). Norwegian and Volotea were charged much less at €1.6 million and €1.2 million respectively.

This decision confirms and increases the fines of €150 million proposed in May. The charges were issued on the basis that information provided by airlines is misleading and that the airlines were not being transparent with prices which, according to the Ministry, “hinders consumers’ ability to compare offers” and make informed decisions.

Spanish Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy said there can be “no business models based on the violation of consumer rights or abusive practices”.

The fines have been met with strong pushback from the industry, which claims the move is against EU law.

Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, commented: “These illegal and baseless fines, which have been invented by Spain’s Consumer Affairs Ministry for political reasons, are clearly in breach of European Union law.”

He confirmed that the airline group would appeal the government’s decision in Spain.

ALA, the Spanish airline association, said the government’s decision didn’t make sense and would undermine the free market. “The association warns that if the consumer sanction is applied, Spain would be the only country in the EU where the practice of charging for luggage in the cabin would be prohibited, leaving airlines operating in this country at a competitive disadvantage,” said ALA in a statement.