Ryanair Accuses Government of Basing Fines on 'Misinterpretation of Francoist Law'

Ryanair's dispute with the Government continues. Since the Ministry of Consumer Affairs announced a historic fine of €179 million against 'low cost' airlines for charging passengers for hand luggage, the Irish company has been at odds with the Central Executive.

With several advertising campaigns promoting their "free luggage" offer, which corresponds to the backpack allowed on their flights, Ryanair's executives even went as far as to call Minister Bustinduy a "clown," using his face in their promotions.

Now, Ryanair has renewed its offensive, accusing the Government of basing "illegal" fines on an old Francoist law from the 1960s. The company stated in a press release on Thursday that the airlines' policy of charging for different services "is in line with current European legislation, Regulation EC 1008/2008."

Ryanair asserts that "these illegal fines are based on a misinterpretation of a Francoist law from the 1960s and contravene European legislation." The airline insists that the regulation "grants EU airlines the freedom to set prices."

The Irish company once again attacks the Minister of Consumer Affairs and Sumar member, Pablo Bustinduy, stating that "instead of acknowledging that his application of this Francoist law is wrong, the minister continues to undermine the legal security of Spaniards regarding air luggage policies."

Ryanair continues to insist that its hand luggage policy "is not only legal but also promotes competitive prices and consumer choice freedom," highlighting that it "fully complies with European Union legislation."

The historic fine has put airlines on alert, especially Ryanair, which has already threatened to increase ticket prices if the fine is enforced, amounting to €107 million for the Irish company alone. EasyJet, Volotea, and Vueling are also affected by the Consumer Affairs decision.

This situation could pose problems for Alicante-Elche airport, where these airlines are the main carriers in terms of passenger traffic, especially Ryanair, which transported 7.3 million passengers in 2024, while the combined total of all affected airlines accounts for over 70% of El Altet aerodrome's travellers.