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Spain Fines Five Low-Cost Airlines €179 Million for Abusive Practices
The Spanish government announced on Friday a record fine of €179 million against five low-cost airlines, accusing them of abusive practices that infringe on passenger rights. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs revealed that these companies, including Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet, Norwegian, and Volotea, were penalized for their handling of baggage fees, seat allocation charges, and restrictions on payment methods.
The largest penalty, €107.7 million, was imposed on Ryanair, followed by fines of €39.3 million for Vueling, €29.1 million for EasyJet, €1.6 million for Norwegian, and €1.2 million for Volotea. The ministry cited these airlines for charging passengers for carry-on baggage and seat selection, even in cases involving dependent passengers, such as children or individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, the fines target the prohibition of cash payments for ticket purchases and excessive charges for printing boarding passes at airports.
“This sanction sends a clear message: no company, no matter how big or powerful, is above the law,” stated Pablo Bustinduy, Minister of Consumer Affairs and member of the left-wing coalition Sumar. Bustinduy emphasized that millions of consumers were affected by these practices, which have long been criticized by consumer protection organizations.
The consumer group FACUA, which initiated the legal proceedings, praised the government’s action as “historic,” stating it represents the highest fines ever imposed for consumer protection violations in Spain. FACUA urged affected travelers to seek reimbursement for the extra fees charged in recent years.
The airlines, however, have expressed strong opposition. Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, announced plans to appeal, labeling the fines “illegal and baseless” and alleging political motivations. He argued that the measures contradict European law, which protects airlines’ autonomy in setting prices and policies.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) joined the criticism, with Director General Willie Walsh claiming that prohibiting baggage fees would lead to higher ticket prices, eliminating choices for travelers.
The Spanish Airlines Association (ALA) described the fines as a “unilateral decision” that undermines the free market and potentially weakens Spain’s competitive position. In the meantime, the airlines plan to maintain their current pricing policies pending the outcome of legal appeals.
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