Ryanair could be fined € 5 million by Hungarian government

Ryanair is facing an extraordinary investigation due to the large number of complaints received. The Hungarian government considers it unacceptable and rejects Ryanair’s decision to pass on the departure tax to the passengers. The Hungarian authorities could impose a consumer protection fine of up to two billion forints (€ 5 million) on Ryanair.

Investigation against Ryanair

The government has launched an investigation against Ryanair. Judit Varga, Minister of Justice, has ordered the investigation. The Ryanair investigation will last throughout the summer.

“The most important task of the government is to protect the Hungarian people. The aim of the investigation is to check the compliance with the legal provisions protecting consumers in relation to the operation of Ryanair”, the Ministry of Justice said.

The special audit will look at compliance with air passenger rights and possible unfair commercial practices. In addition, the consumer protection authority will look into the airline’s complaint handling and price-setting practices, atv.hu reports.

The fine could be as high as HUF 2 billion (€ 5 million).

Long-running dispute

Only Ryanair is affected by the extraordinary audit. However, the government is taking action against all the large companies. Ryanair and the Hungarian government have a long-standing dispute. The government has taxed companies making extra profits, including airlines. The airline subsequently said it would pass the departure tax on to passengers in full.

The Minister of Economic Development, Márton Nagy, then criticised Ryanair and said that the imposition of a surcharge on passengers was unacceptable. According to Ryanair, Mr Marton Nagy should give an apology. This led to an exchange of messages between the two parties. The investigation is the next step in the dispute, says index.hu.

“The tone that the Ryanair management has struck against the Hungarian government in recent days is, according to the complaints, a common one in the company’s dealings with the travelling public, which is unacceptable. Ryanair owes an apology, first and foremost to the travelling public,” reads the Ministry of Justice’s statement.

Read also Conflict escalating: Hungarian minister demands apology from Ryanair!

Source: index.hu, atv.hu