News
November 26, 2025
Ryanair fails to have UK flight compensation case thrown out
Ryanair has failed in a court bid to have a passenger flight delay claim taken against it in the UK thrown out because the customers used a third party to pursue it. It has important implications for airlines and companies that seek compensation on behalf of passengers in the EU whose flights have been delayed or cancelled.
**Ryanair's Attempt to Dismiss UK Flight Compensation Case Fails**
Budget airline Ryanair has suffered a setback in its ongoing battle against flight delay compensation claims, after a UK court rejected its attempt to dismiss a case brought against it by passengers using a third-party claims company. The ruling has significant implications for both airlines and the burgeoning industry of companies that assist passengers in claiming compensation for flight disruptions across the European Union.
The case centered on Ryanair's argument that passengers who used a claims management company to pursue compensation for delayed flights should not be allowed to bring the case to court. Ryanair contended that because the passengers hadn't directly initiated the claim themselves, it should be dismissed. This strategy is seen as a tactic to discourage passengers from seeking compensation, particularly when faced with the often complex and time-consuming process of navigating EU regulations and airline procedures.
However, the court disagreed with Ryanair's position, upholding the right of passengers to use third-party companies to act on their behalf. This decision reinforces the legitimacy of claims management companies that specialize in assisting passengers with flight delay and cancellation claims. These companies often operate on a "no-win, no-fee" basis, making it easier for individuals to pursue compensation without the risk of incurring significant legal costs.
The verdict is a victory for consumer rights and underscores the importance of EU Regulation 261/2004, which entitles passengers to compensation for significant flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding in certain circumstances. By attempting to block claims brought by third-party companies, Ryanair was effectively trying to limit access to this legal entitlement.
Industry experts believe this ruling will likely embolden other claims management companies and potentially lead to an increase in the number of flight compensation claims filed against airlines operating within the EU. It also sends a clear message to airlines that they cannot avoid their legal obligations to compensate passengers for disruptions simply by challenging the legitimacy of third-party claims handlers. The decision could prompt Ryanair and other airlines to re-evaluate their approach to handling flight compensation claims and potentially streamline their internal processes to avoid costly legal battles.
Budget airline Ryanair has suffered a setback in its ongoing battle against flight delay compensation claims, after a UK court rejected its attempt to dismiss a case brought against it by passengers using a third-party claims company. The ruling has significant implications for both airlines and the burgeoning industry of companies that assist passengers in claiming compensation for flight disruptions across the European Union.
The case centered on Ryanair's argument that passengers who used a claims management company to pursue compensation for delayed flights should not be allowed to bring the case to court. Ryanair contended that because the passengers hadn't directly initiated the claim themselves, it should be dismissed. This strategy is seen as a tactic to discourage passengers from seeking compensation, particularly when faced with the often complex and time-consuming process of navigating EU regulations and airline procedures.
However, the court disagreed with Ryanair's position, upholding the right of passengers to use third-party companies to act on their behalf. This decision reinforces the legitimacy of claims management companies that specialize in assisting passengers with flight delay and cancellation claims. These companies often operate on a "no-win, no-fee" basis, making it easier for individuals to pursue compensation without the risk of incurring significant legal costs.
The verdict is a victory for consumer rights and underscores the importance of EU Regulation 261/2004, which entitles passengers to compensation for significant flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding in certain circumstances. By attempting to block claims brought by third-party companies, Ryanair was effectively trying to limit access to this legal entitlement.
Industry experts believe this ruling will likely embolden other claims management companies and potentially lead to an increase in the number of flight compensation claims filed against airlines operating within the EU. It also sends a clear message to airlines that they cannot avoid their legal obligations to compensate passengers for disruptions simply by challenging the legitimacy of third-party claims handlers. The decision could prompt Ryanair and other airlines to re-evaluate their approach to handling flight compensation claims and potentially streamline their internal processes to avoid costly legal battles.
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