Brussels Comes Down Heavy On Madrid Over Fines For Low-cost Airlines

On Wednesday, October 8, nan European Commission, nether Ursula von der Leyen, launched an infringement process against Spain for imposing fines of up to €179 cardinal connected 5 low-cost airlines, including Ryanair and Vueling, for them charging other fees for carry-on luggage. 

Brussels contends that these penalties, issued by Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights and Consumer Affairs nether Minister Pablo Bustinduy, break EU aerial work regulations, specifically nan state of airlines to group their ain prices arsenic outlined successful Regulation 1008/2008. The Commission argues that Spain’s Air Navigation Law improperly restricts airlines from charging for hand luggage, undermining their expertise to differentiate services.

Spanish rule prohibits further charges for immoderate carry-on luggage, which Brussels claims contradicts EU rules. According to nan European Court of Justice (CJEU), hand luggage gathering reasonable weight and size requirements should mostly beryllium free, but airlines tin complaint for bags exceeding these limits, respecting their pricing freedom. The Commission stresses that Spain’s authorities and nan resulting fines misinterpret CJEU rulings, unlawfully restricting airlines’ expertise to connection varied pricing models, specified arsenic basal fares pinch constricted luggage aliases premium options pinch larger allowances.

Brussels has sent Spain a general missive of notice, making it nan first shape of nan infringement process. The Spanish government, led by Pedro Sanchez, now has 2 months to taxable arguments aliases revise its legislation. Failure to fulfill nan Commission could lead to nan lawsuit being escalated to nan CJEU, perchance resulting successful further ineligible and financial consequences for Spain.