The European Commission has rebuked Spain for having fined several low-cost airlines over baggage fees.
In November 2024, Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights and Consumption fined five low-cost airlines (Ryanair, easyJet, Norwegian Air Suttle, Vueling and Volotea) a combined €179 million (US$208 million) over the fees they charge for cabin bags, as well as for other practices, such as charging companions of passengers needing assistance for their seat selection and the printing of boarding passes at the airport.
According to the Spanish government, the sanctions were determined as a multiple of the revenue each of these airlines raised through these practices. Ryanair received the heftiest fine, €107.7 million, with the other carriers being fined amounts ranging between €39.2 million for Vueling and €1.1 million for Volotea.
This decision was disputed by the affected airlines, which duly filed an appeal, as well as by Spain’s Airlines Association (ALA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which complained that it was arbitrary and disproportionate.
The airlines allege that, by levying these fees, they are able to offer lower fares, leaving consumers overall better off.
In a statement issued on October 8, 2025, the European authorities found the fine to be in breach of EU regulations, since it infringed on the right of carriers to set their pricing policies, which is enshrined in EU legislation.
The European Commission has now sent a letter to the Spanish government, which has two months to present the corresponding allegations. After this step, it would then be the turn of the European Commission to issue a new updated ruling, after which the case could go before the European Court of Justice.
This ruling arrives during a period of poor relations between Ryanair and the Spanish government. Michael O’Leary, the outspoken head of the Irish low-cost carrier, has been one of the most vocal critics of Spain’s Consumer Rights Minister, Pablo Bustinduy, referring to him as a “crazy Communist” and portraying him as a clown in an advertising campaign.
Recently, Ryanair has also announced that it is to reduce its presence within the Spanish market, cutting over one million seats’ worth of capacity, following disagreements with government-owned airport operator Aena over airport taxes.
