In an updated statement provided to TTG, a Ryanair spokesperson said of Simpson’s claims: "These claims are false. Ryanair has no liability or debt to any third party travel agent/operator, who make unauthorised bookings on our website in breach of Ryanair’s terms and conditions. Under EU261 regulation all refunds are due to passengers only.
"All Ryanair passengers who booked via an unauthorised 3rd party travel agent/operator can request their refund via Ryanair’s Customer Verification Form, accessible on the Ryanair.com website.
"Travel agents/operators are aware of this process and are failing to communicate it to consumers, as this will expose the fact that they have overcharged these customers for fares that are higher than that paid to Ryanair, or they have added hidden or excessive fees and charges to their unsuspecting consumers”.
The airline had initially aimed its statement at travel agents, however it later sent an updated version after Ed Pyke, Simpson Travel operations director, hit back, stating: "We are a recognised tour operator and Ryanair have knowingly engaged in taking our bookings, distributing their API code to a digital aggregator in order to receive our payments.
“Their contract of carriage is directly with us and therefore we are not in breach of their terms and conditions, and it is incorrect to argue that we operate as a travel agent or third party.
“We would welcome an opportunity to discuss this directly with Ryanair but as yet are unable to generate a direct response from them.
“We will continue to work with the CAA and our legal team to ensure they fulfil their obligation to us."
