Ryanair challenges regulator's decision over strikes compensation

Ryanair wants the High Court to quash the aviation regulator’s decision to order the airline to compensate a number of people affected by last year’s strike action. Ryanair claims the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) was wrong in law to make the airline liable for payments under an EU regulation 261 which provides compensation as a result of delayed or cancelled flights. The airline says strikes qualify as an “extraordinary circumstance” which means compensation is not payable. Last year the carrier experienced a number of days of industrial action including 1-day strikes by Ireland-based pilots. The CAR received a number of claims for compensation under EU 261, 5 for which the CAR determined Ryanair is liable. These 5 form effective test cases for Ryanair’s legal challenge. <br/>