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Spain's Fines over Cabin Bag Fees Breach Regulations
The European Commission challenges Spain's €179 million fines on airlines for hand luggage fees, citing EU law that allows carriers price freedom, sparking regulatory conflict.
- On Wednesday the European Commission opened an infringement procedure against Spain over fines imposed on Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet, Norwegian and Volotea for charging extra fees on hand luggage.
- Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry last year fined the five airlines €179 million after a complaint by OCU, but Spanish courts ordered a temporary halt and Ryanair's appeal remains pending.
- Brussels argues the measures clash with EU air services law, saying fines breached rules granting airlines `freedom to set their prices`; the 2014 EU Court of Justice ruling prohibits fees for compliant hand baggage.
- Sending a formal notice, the European Commission gave Spain two months to respond, opening a procedure that could be taken to the Court of Justice of the European Union; Pablo Bustinduy, Spanish Consumer Rights Minister, vowed to contest the move.
- Across the EU, consumer groups have filed complaints and court actions over hand-luggage fees, challenging the low-cost carrier model that 86% of consumers support for free luggage.
32 Articles
32 Articles
In 2024 Madrid had sanctioned the low cost of 179 million euros for additional services. Now the European Commission has put Spain in default for violating the freedom of enterprise
Brussels opens case against Spain on airline cabin bag fees
The European Commission has opened formal infringement proceedings against Spain following the Spanish government’s €179 million fines imposed on five low-cost airlines. The fines targeted Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, Norwegian, and Volotea for charging passengers for hand luggage and seat reservations. Brussels argues that these sanctions may breach EU regulations that guarantee airlines the… Source
The European Commission stated Wednesday that the charges imposed by Spain to the Irish company Ryanair and other low-cost airlines due to the taxing of additional cabin baggage violates European regulations, send Wednesdays to the Agency Reuters.The Spanish Ministry for...
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