Ryanair Goes to Court for Canceled Swedish Flights

Ryanair, a budget airline, went to court on Tuesday in Sweden for compensation infringements on canceled flights. Agneta Broberg, KO consumer ombudswoman, said, “We want a verdict that sets a legal precedent that clarifies when an airline can claim extraordinary circumstances and thereby avoid paying compensation to travelers.” KO, a consumer agency, is the representation of a Swedish couple in their case against Ryanair.

During May of 2006, Rune and Eva-Marie Braennstroem, the couple, was booked on a Ryanair flight to Stockholm from Brussels that was canceled due to heavy fog. Ryanair offered a new flight to the couple 2 days later, as well as reimbursed them for their ticket costs, according to KO. The agency also added that the couple didn’t receive any other compensation, and the airline didn’t offer to cover the cost of their hotel or meals.

However, the couple was not able to wait 2 days, so they had to find their own way home, using a taxi, rental car, and train, as well as paid for all of it themselves. Rune and Eva-Marie sought £766 (9500 kronor) in compensation from Ryanair for their costs, and Ryanair refused to comply despite receiving a recommendation from the Swedish National Board for Consumer Complaints to do so.

KO said that the refusal was illegal. However, Ryanair argues that they didn’t have any control over what happened, because the flight was canceled due to heavy fog. Therefore, they can’t be held responsible for compensation payment. Stephen McNamara, a spokesman for the carrier, said that KO is looking for additional money and to give compensation to the passengers for something that Ryanair couldn’t control.

Part of the case was heard on Tuesday, but has been postponed because of an interpreter issue. KO says that they will resume the case on February 4^th.

Thank you RTE Business for the quote.

To find out more about Ryanair, go to www.ryanair.com