Spanish consumer watchdog levies heavy fines on airlines over unfair fees

Five major European airlines face combined fines of €179 million from Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs for what officials describe as unfair charging practices, including fees for carry-on luggage and adjacent seat reservations for families.

Ryanair received the largest penalty of €107.8 million, whilst Vueling was fined €39.3 million and EasyJet €29.1 million. Norwegian and Volotea face smaller penalties of €1.6 million and €1.2 million respectively.

The ministry’s investigation found airlines failed to accept cash payments at airports and provided inadequate pricing information, limiting consumers’ ability to compare services effectively. The penalties specifically target charges for printing boarding passes at airports and fees for seating dependent passengers together.

“No company is above the law,” Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy said, emphasising the government’s commitment to consumer protection.

The Airlines Association (ALA) plans to contest the ruling. Its president, Javier Gándara, warned the penalties could damage Spain’s aviation and tourism sectors, announcing intentions to appeal and seek interim measures.