Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

UK scraps action against Ryanair, British Airways over refunds

BRITAIN'S competition regulator has scrapped its action against Ryanair and British Airways over their failure to offer refunds to passengers prevented from flying by Covid-19 restrictions, saying the legal position was unclear.

During pandemic lockdowns, instead of offering refunds to those legally unable to fly, IAG-owned British Airways offered vouchers or rebooking and Ryanair providing the option to rebook.


The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) started action against the airlines in June, saying passengers who were legally unable to take flights booked in good faith should have their money back.

But it said on Thursday (7) the law did not provide passengers with a sufficiently clear right to a refund in such unusual circumstances.

Chief executive Andrea Coscelli said the CMA "strongly believed" the passengers should be offered a full refund.

"However, after considering the relevant law and gathering evidence in our investigation, we have concluded that the length of time that would be required to take this case through the courts, and the uncertain outcome, can no longer justify the further expense of public money," he said.

He added the CMA hoped the law would be clarified.

Ryanair said it welcomed the decision. "We operated a limited schedule during UK lockdowns for customers who travelled for essential reasons," a spokesperson said.

"Passengers had the option to change their bookings without paying the flight change fee, and many availed of this option."

British Airways said in a statement it had acted lawfully at all times during the crisis, issuing nearly 4 million refunds and offering highly flexible booking policies.

"We're grateful for (our customers') support at a time when we've been navigating dynamic and fast-changing travel restrictions to maintain a limited schedule," it said.

(Reuters)

More For You

india-gdp-iStock

India's GDP growth was 9.7 per cent in 2021-22, 7 per cent in 2022-23, and 8.2 per cent in 2023-24. )Representational image: iStock)

India's GDP growth projected to fall to 6.4 per cent in FY25

INDIA's gross domestic product (GDP) growth is projected to decline to 6.4 per cent in the financial year 2024-25, marking its lowest rate in four years, according to government data released on Tuesday. The slowdown is attributed to weaker performance in the manufacturing and services sectors.

The growth rate of 6.4 per cent, estimated by the national statistics office (NSO), is the lowest since the contraction of 5.8 per cent recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-21. GDP growth was 9.7 per cent in 2021-22, 7 per cent in 2022-23, and 8.2 per cent in 2023-24.

Keep ReadingShow less
Reeves and Chandra lead UK delegation at Davos

Varun Chandra

Reeves and Chandra lead UK delegation at Davos

CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves will lead a group of ministers at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos this month, as the government works to attract global investors and reassure British businesses.

Reeves, who has attended the event for the past two years in her role as shadow chancellor, will meet with key international investors, including sovereign wealth funds and private equity firms from the US, reported the Times. The government is looking to secure financial backing for its plans related to infrastructure and green energy.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nadella-Modi

Modi and Nadella discussed the company’s plans for growth, innovation, and upskilling in India. (Photo: X/@satyanadella)

Microsoft announces £2.4bn India investment after Nadella-Modi meeting

MICROSOFT on Tuesday (7) announced a £2.4 billion investment to expand its Azure cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) capacity in India over the next two years.

The announcement followed a meeting between Microsoft chairman and CEO Satya Nadella and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on Monday (6), during which they discussed the company’s plans for growth, innovation, and upskilling in the country.

Keep ReadingShow less
indian-rupee-iStock

The RBI has been intervening in the forex market to manage volatility in the rupee. (Representational image: iStock)

India's forex reserves dip to eight-month low amid rupee weakness

INDIA's foreign exchange reserves have dropped for the fourth consecutive week, reaching an eight-month low of £516.26 billion as of December 27, according to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released on Friday.

The reserves fell by £3.31 bn during the reported week, following a cumulative decline of £11.05 bn over the preceding three weeks.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK EV sales hit record but miss targets

The battery of an electric car is recharged at a roadside charging station in London, England. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

UK EV sales hit record but miss targets

THE UK car industry sold a record number of all-electric vehicles in 2024 but still fell short of the government's mandated targets, an industry trade body said Saturday (4).

Battery electric vehicles made up 19.6 per cent of new cars sold last year, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which was below the government's 22-per cent target for carmakers.

Keep ReadingShow less