EC: Spanish penalties for carry-on baggage fees violate EU law

The European Commission announced on Wednesday that the penalties imposed by Spain on low-cost airlines Ryanair, easyJet, Norwegian, and Vueling for hand luggage fees violate EU law.

Last year, the Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs imposed fines totaling €179 million on these companies for charging these fees.

The Commission emphasized that the fines violate EU regulations on air services, which grant airlines “freedom of pricing.” It has therefore sent Spain a formal request to remedy the situation.

Spanish Consumer Protection Minister Pablo Bustinduy responded that the Commission had sided with the airlines to the detriment of consumers and announced that Spain would defend its decision before the European Court of Justice.

However, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said in Madrid that he believed the Commission had ruled in favor of consumers, as its stance would promote broader price competition.

A Spanish court ordered the temporary suspension of the fines in June, allowing airlines to continue applying their pricing policy in Spain until the court's decision.

(reuters, sie)