Facing a strike from its drivers in five european countries, the airline Ryanair has announced, Friday, 10 August, that it would compensate its passengers for the injury, apart from the reimbursement of the ticket.
This compensation, usually between 250 euros and 600 euros depending on the distance of the flight, is provided by article 12 of the european regulation no. 261/2004, which governs air passenger rights, ” except when the cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken “.
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Ryanair in the face of a strike co-ordinated pilot in five european countries
However, the irish company believes that this strike is an exceptional circumstance : “Ryanair complies fully with the legislation, but, as the cancellation of flights fall under extraordinary circumstances, no compensation is due, as explained by its CEO, Michael O’leary. Under the law, no compensation is payable when the union is so unreasonable and totally out of the control of the airline. If this was under our control, there would be no cancellations. “
Judgment of the european Court of justice
