Ryanair flouts compensation rules

RYANAIR is set for another battle with the European Union after flouting new passenger compensation rules.

The Irish carrier is refusing to comply with legislation requiring airlines give passengers food and drink vouchers if their flight is delayed for more than two hours.

It argues that because it doesn't serve free food on its flights, it shouldn't have to on the ground. Ryanair said it will continue with the policy until the outcome of an appeal against the new rules is known next year.

The European Low Fares Airlines Association is challenging the legislation in the European Court of Justice after winning the right to appeal in UK's High Court.

The legislation was introduced last month giving passengers the right to compensation if their flight is delayed or cancelled for commercial reasons. It also stated passengers should be put up in a hotel or given food and drink when flights are delayed beyond two hours.

Meanwhile, Ryanair is the only airline to challenge the EU's new rules and it is expected to embark on another fight with the European authorities.

It lost a battle with the European Commission last year over subsidies it received to fly to Charleroi Airport.

Ryanair communications director Peter Sherrard said: 'The new rules are flawed and have been introduced with minimal consultation. We are complying with the majority of the rules, but why should we pay for food and drink when we don't give it away free on flights.'

The airline said it had not yet heard from the EU and would challenge it if it launched any action. An EU spokesperson said it would be monitoring airlines' behaviour to ensure they are complying in full with the new rules.