The low-cost airline Ryanair has suffered a legal setback before Hungary's Supreme Court, as the court has confirmed a fine of 200 million forints (around 518.479 euros) imposed by the consumer protection authority.

It was about a fine that was imposed on the carrier at the beginning of this year in connection with a flight delay. In February 2023, Ryanair is said to have failed to inform passengers of a flight plan change on a flight from Budapest to Gran Canaria and, as a result, disregarded passenger rights. After an investigation, the consumer protection authority of the city of Budapest imposed a hefty fine.

It should be noted that Hungary was one of the first EU countries to authorize consumer protection bodies to conduct administrative criminal proceedings against airlines. The procedure has already been heard before the European Court of Justice and it has expressly stated that this is permissible because it also serves to simplify the enforcement of passenger rights within the meaning of the Air Passenger Rights Regulation.

Ryanair has gone to court over the latest fine it received in Hungary. The Supreme Court therefore had to decide whether the punishment was permissible or not. The judges ruled against the airline. It is still unclear whether the low-cost airline will try to challenge the penalty before the European Union Court.