Hungarian Consumer Protection Orders Extraordinary Investigation Against Ryanair

The Justice Department on Tuesday rejected what it called budget airline Ryanair’s attempt to pass on the recently introduced windfall tax to customers, saying the company was seeking new excessive profits.

The ministry called it “absurd” that Ryanair had retroactively raised the prices of tickets purchased before the excessive profit tax was introduced.

Companies should shoulder the burden of the tax without placing it on Hungarians “who should not be forced to pay the price of war”, the statement said.

The ministry also called on Ryanair to apologize “for its tone towards the Hungarian government” which it added also seemed typical of its tone towards passengers, judging by their complaints.

To prevent further breaches of the law, an investigation is underway in view of the number and weight of complaints, the statement said, adding that the growing demand for travel after the coronavirus pandemic could lead to more abuse against passengers.

The consumer protection minister is also launching an investigation into the company, he added.