Ryanair Slams EU Rules Forcing Higher Ticket Ads

Ryanair is strongly criticizing new European Union regulations that mandate airlines advertise higher ticket prices including a second carry-on bag. The budget airline argues these rules are a "bureaucratic nonsense" that forces them to misleadingly promote higher fares, thereby diminishing the competitiveness of European carriers.

In a statement, Ryanair's CEO Michael O’Leary asserted that the priority for most customers is the lowest possible price, and that over 50% of their clients do not require a second carry-on. He contends that the new rules, which came into effect following a European Parliament declaration allowing airlines to offer lower fares for passengers traveling without hand luggage, force airlines to advertise prices that do not add value. This, he believes, will further disadvantage EU airlines.

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These latest EU 261 rules are another bureaucratic nonsense from the European Parliament and Council. Instead of encouraging EU airlines to advertise their lowest fares, excluding the second carry-on bag, which over 50% of our customers choose, these new pointless rules require airlines to misleadingly advertise higher fares. This will further reduce the competitiveness of EU airlines.

Beyond the carry-on bag issue, O’Leary also voiced criticism regarding the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) and European air traffic management. He stated that neither the European Parliament nor the Council of the EU has taken action to improve airline competitiveness, reduce aviation taxes, or reform air traffic control. Ryanair blames the current air traffic control system for over 90% of flight delays and notes that airlines cannot recoup costs associated with EU Regulation No. 261 from state-controlled air traffic control providers.

Ryanair further directed criticism at European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, suggesting the new rules contradict her promise to boost European competitiveness. The airline urged von der Leyen and the European Parliament to abandon requirements that harm the continent's aviation sector. O’Leary remarked that while Europe needs economic growth for defense spending, the "biggest achievement" of its leaders is these new rules on airline hand luggage. Ryanair advocates for the EU to abolish the ETS tax on intra-European flights and reform the flight management system to ensure sufficient staffing for early morning flights.

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While Europe needs economic growth to increase defense spending, the biggest achievement of our leaders is these new rules on airline hand luggage.