Reuters reports Italy’s consumer watchdog has slapped Ryanair with a €4.2 million (£3.6 million) fine, and easyJet with one totalling €2.8 million (£2.4 million). Spanish carrier Volotea was fined €1.4 million (£1.2 million) by Italy’s AGCM, Autorita’ Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato, for the same reason.
The authority said all three carriers had provided customers booked on cancelled flights vouchers instead of the cash refunds they were due.
An easyJet spokesperson said: "EasyJet strongly believes it has always acted fairly and complied with all the ever-changing applicable laws. EasyJet firmly disagrees with the AGCM’s findings and it considers the final decision absolutely groundless. For these reasons, easyJet will appeal against the decision."
The spokesperson added the airline had introduced new customer policies to ensure refunds were paid more quickly, and was offering passengers greater flexibility over their bookings. "We are processing our customer refunds within seven days in full compliance with the law," they said.
A Ryanair spokesperson said: "We have instructed our lawyers to appeal this decision. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, Ryanair has fully complied and will continue complying with government travel restrictions.
"Ryanair acted in full compliance with EU261 requirements and European Commission Guidelines on Passenger Rights in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic in relation to any cancellations that occurred from March 2020.
"Customers affected by these cancelled flights have been offered all options in compliance with EU law, including free moves, refunds in the form of cash or vouchers as an additional choice, subject to the passenger’s acceptance."
