IATA has criticised the Spanish government's decision to fine airlines a total of €179 million (R3,3bn) for charging for cabin bags.
Ryanair has received the bulk of the fine (€108m / R2bn), followed by Vueling (€39m / R738m) and easyJet (€29m / R549m). Several other carriers including Norwegian and Volotea have also received smaller fines, reports Business Traveller.
According to IATA, the move undermines freedom of pricing, which it says is fundamental to consumer choice and competition.
“This is an appalling decision. Far from protecting the consumer interest, this is a slap in the face of travellers who want choice. Prohibiting all airlines from charging for cabin bags means that the cost will be automatically priced into all tickets. What’s next? Forcing all hotel guests to pay for breakfast? Or charging everyone to pay for the coat check when they buy a concert ticket? EU law protects pricing freedom for good reason. And airlines offer a range of service models, from all-inclusive to basic transport. This move by the Spanish government is unlawful and must be stopped,” said Willie Walsh, IATA DG.
