A Ryanair passenger claims the airline changed its reason for a flight delay from technical issues to adverse weather to avoid paying compensation. The incident has sparked debate over passenger rights and airline accountability.
The Dispute
A Reddit user shared that her Ryanair flight from Barcelona to London Stansted was initially delayed due to 'technical difficulties' with the aircraft. The plane eventually landed three hours and 20 minutes late, making passengers eligible for compensation under UK law. However, when she tried to claim, Ryanair's website stated the delay was due to 'adverse weather conditions' on previous sectors, which is considered an extraordinary circumstance and exempts the airline from paying.
The passenger admitted she forgot to take a screenshot of the original message citing technical difficulties, leaving her unsure how to prove her case.
Expert Opinion
Allana Wilckens, a legal expert on passenger rights at Flightright UK, said that if airlines can prove the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances, they don't have to pay. However, she believes the passenger has a valid claim for €250 compensation because the flight arrived more than three hours late. She added that ordinary technical problems are not considered extraordinary circumstances, and Ryanair should explain how much of the delay was caused by each issue.
Tim Riley, Managing Director of True Traveller and Chairman of the UK Travel Industry Association, advised passengers to challenge the airline's decision through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) if they believe the delay was due to a technical issue. He noted that travel insurance typically only covers delays of 12 hours or more.
Ryanair's Response
Ryanair reiterated that the flight was delayed due to adverse weather at London Stansted, which prevented the inbound aircraft from departing on time. The airline also acknowledged a minor technical issue that caused a further delay before take-off. A spokesperson said passengers received updates via email, push notifications, and the Ryanair app, and were issued refreshment vouchers. The airline arranged a replacement aircraft, which departed at 10:45 PM local time. Ryanair maintains that the passenger is not entitled to compensation because the delay was weather-related and outside its control.
Experts argue that Ryanair should retain records of its notifications and operational data, and the burden of proof lies with the airline to show that extraordinary circumstances applied.
