Ryanair investigated over ‘cynical’ flight move
13.05.08
Ryanair has been criticised by Ireland's Commission for Aviation Regulation for cancelling and then reinstating a flight - with fares over four times their original cost, the Irish Independent reports. The Commission called it ‘a cynical, commercial exercise’ whilst the National Consumer Agency said it was investigating. The budget airline responded by offering free flights to those who complained.
Hundreds of fans of Irish rugby club Munster pre-booked the 06:50 flight from Dublin to Bristol Airport earlier this year in the hope their team would make the Heineken Cup final in Cardiff on May 24, paying less than €50 before taxes. But, in late March, Ryanair told passengers that the departure time was being changed to 15:00, and with Cardiff over 40 miles from Bristol and kick-off at 17:00, many fans took the refund offered.
However, the flight was reinstated earlier this month -- after Munster qualified -- at 06:50 on May 24 - but with fares before taxes of €229.99, over four times the original cost.
The Republic's Commission for Aviation Regulation said that the action appeared to be ‘a cynical, commercial exercise’ and it is being investigated by the National Consumer Agency. However, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary said fans could fly to Wales for free ‘if they write into me before the end of this week’.
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