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COVID-19 British Airways, Ryanair Refunds Overview:
- Who: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) was looking into Ryanair and British Airways.
- Why: The CMA has abandoned its action to get refunds for airline customers who had to cancel flights during the pandemic, citing lengthy processing times and uncertain outcomes.
- Where: The CMA’s decision affects UK consumers.
The UK competition regulator has reportedly abandoned its efforts to get British Airways and Ryanair refunds for airline customers who were instead offered credits to rebook during the pandemic, saying it will take too long to bring to action and the outcome is not assured.
In June, the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched a probe into British Airways PLC and Ryanair DAC to determine whether the companies broke the law by denying passengers refunds for flights cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The consumer protection watchdog announced the probe into British Airways and Ryanair refunds after an investigation revealed the airlines were offering only vouchers or the opportunity to rebook flights affected by the pandemic.
At the time, CMA said both British Airways and Ryanair could have breached consumer law by declining to refund customers, and the watchdog was trying to solve the issue with the companies.
Legal Right to British Airways, Ryanair Refunds Unclear, Says Agency
However, on Oct. 7 the CMA said the law was not sufficiently clear to make the case cut and dry. It said it hoped the law could be clarified in favor of passengers seeking Ryanair or British Airways refunds.
CMA Chief Executive Andrea Coscelli said the CMA “strongly believed” the passengers should get full British Airways and Ryanair refunds.
“However, after considering the relevant law and gathering evidence in our investigation, we have concluded that the length of time that would be required to take this case through the courts, and the uncertain outcome, can no longer justify the further expense of public money.”
Ryanair said it was pleased with the decision to abandon the probe.
“We operated a limited schedule during UK lockdowns for customers who travelled for essential reasons,” a spokesperson said.
“Passengers had the option to change their bookings without paying the flight change fee, and many availed of this option.”
British Airways said it had operated lawfully and had issued nearly 4 million refunds during the pandemic.
Earlier this year, UK airlines lost a lawsuit lodged against the British government over the traffic light system implemented to restrict pandemic travel when a judge concluded that the regulations were lawful.
Have you had issues getting Ryanair or British Airways refunds for flights that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? Let us know in the comments section!
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