Ryanair passengers can claim compensation for strike delays

THOUSANDS of Ryanair customers are being urged to claim compensation after their flights were cancelled during strike action last Friday.

Up to 250 flights did not take off as a result of the 24-hour walk-out in European countries including Spain, Italy and Portugal.

Ryanair is refusing to pay compensation because the strikes, carried out by a ‘ tiny minority’ of staff, were out of its control.

But the aviation watchdog is advising passengers that they should still make a claim.

A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says: ‘Passengers have the right to seek compensation under EU legislation when flights are delayed by three hours or more, cancelled or when they are denied boarding.

‘It is our view that when a flight cancellation is caused by strike action by the airline’s employees, the airline is required to pay compensation if it has not warned passengers of the cancellation at least two weeks prior to the scheduled time of departure.’

If you have already complained to Ryanair and are unhappy with the response, refer your case to the Aviation Alternative Dispute Resolution service. You can do this for free online at

aviationadr.org.uk or call 0203 540 8063.