Ryanair to challenge validity of ash cloud claims

3/06/2010

Michael O'Leary intends to challenge the more outrageous claims resulting from the ash cloud

The ebullient CEO of Ryanair Michael O’Leary fresh from announcing a tremendous set of profit figures showing an increase from E105m to E319m has now turned his attention to the claims from the ash cloud.

Having originally declared that the airline should not be held responsible for the accommodation costs and meals for stranded passengers, following a directive from the European authorities Ryanair stated they would comply with current legislation but would later challenge this responsibility on the grounds that the original air fare bore no relation to the compensation being claimed.

In the latest development the company will use up to 20 of the highest claimants as test cases to further prove this point. Analysis of the invoices claimed on the grounds of proportionality, will be the basis of their argument.

I was one of Ryanair’s customers stranded abroad and whilst I was far from happy with the communication at Malaga airport and what we were expected to do after the flight failed to go, I have to say that the claims being made appear to be taking advantage of an unfortunate situation.

Surely and it would be fairer if an agreed daily rate to cover meals and accommodation was agreed for each country or region of a country. Clearly if you stranded in Rome or Paris your costs will be higher than if you were in say Turkey or Vietnam.