CMA closes investigation into British Airways and Ryanair Covid refund policies

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will no longer pursue its investigation into British Airways or Ryanair.

In June 2021, the CMA launched a probe into the airlines over legal concerns regarding failing to offer refunds for flights customers could not legally take during lockdowns.

Instead of refunds, British Airways offered customers vouchers or rebooking and Ryanair provided the option to rebook.

Subsequently, the CMA has concluded that the law does not provide passengers with a sufficiently clear right to a refund in these unusual circumstances to justify continuing with the case.

Andrea Coscelli, chief executive of the CMA, said: “We strongly believe people who are legally prevented from taking flights due to lockdown laws should be offered a full refund and we launched this investigation in the hope that we would be able to secure a positive outcome for consumers.”

“However, after considering the relevant law and gathering evidence in our investigation, we have concluded that the length of time that would be required to take this case through the courts, and the uncertain outcome, can no longer justify the further expense of public money.

“Given the importance of this to many passengers who have unfairly lost out, we hope that the law in this area will be clarified.”