Spain Suspends €108M Fines Against Ryanair, Norwegian Pending Appeal

A Spanish court has temporarily suspended substantial fines imposed on budget airlines Ryanair and Norwegian Air for what the government described as 'abusive practices,' including charging for hand luggage and other fees deemed unfair to passengers. Ryanair received a fine of approximately €107 million and Norwegian €1.6 million, but both airlines appealed, leading the court to grant a suspension of the penalties pending final resolution, citing the financial hardship the fines would impose. The court mandated that Ryanair and Norwegian provide bank guarantees totaling nearly €112 million during the appeal process. Other airlines such as Vueling, EasyJet, and Volotea were also fined but their appeals remain pending. The Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs has maintained that charging for hand luggage is illegal, while Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary has criticized the fines as politically motivated and baseless. The European Parliament is considering new regulations to allow passengers to bring a free carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kilograms, which industry groups warn could increase ticket costs.