Hungarian consumer protection launches investigation against Ryanair!
Ryanair has informed its passengers that it will retroactively charge them almost HUF 4000 each due to the excess profit tax imposed by the Hungarian government. However, the government thinks this is unacceptable and will proceed to launch an investigation on the matter.
Extra charges
According to 444.hu, on Thursday, Ryanair passengers who had booked a ticket from Budapest for July or later received a letter. It shows that the airline will retroactively charge everyone an extra HUF 3900 (EUR 10) because that is the amount of the excess profit tax introduced by the government per passenger. For destinations outside Europe, it is even more, HUF 9750 (EUR 25).
If this is not acceptable, you have until 16 June to cancel your booking, otherwise the amount will be automatically deducted from your bank account. After cancellation, the full amount previously paid will be refunded.
Unacceptable pricing practices
On Friday, Economic Development Minister Márton Nagy said in a statement that the government finds Ryanair’s unfair ticketing practices unacceptable.
“The government has decided to impose excess profit taxes on airlines, among other sectors, to protect Hungarian families. The government has made it clear to all concerned that it will keep a close eye on market developments and will do its utmost to prevent the excess taxes from being passed on to the public. The Government has indicated in advance that it will carry out a thorough investigation into each such case and will take strong action against harmful practices,” 444.hu quoted the Minister writing.
Investigation
The government considers it unacceptable that Ryanair is passing on to travellers the excess profit tax levied on airlines. They find it particularly objectionable that Ryanair has already started this practice for previously sold tickets.
As Portfolio.hu writes, the Minister for Economic Development, Márton Nagy, has therefore called for a consumer protection investigation to ensure that the competent bodies of the Government Office, using their consumer protection powers, thoroughly investigate and, if possible, prevent the airline’s unfair practices.
Source: 444.hu, Portfolio.hu