MEP welcomes Ryanair refunds

MEP Simon Busuttil has welcomed a statement by Ryanair that it will be refunding any departure tax it collected in error.

"This is precisely what I sought from the beginning and this is why I brought this issue to public attention," Dr Busuttil affirmed.

He received complaints from several individuals claiming that they were still charged departure tax by Ryanair for flights purchased before November 1 but taking place after that date. He contacted Ryanair about the matter but the airline replied that they would await "formal notification" before updating their records.

Dr Busuttil claimed that such a reply was not satisfactory, especially since the Department of Civil Aviation confirmed that Ryanair had in fact been notified well in advance about removal of the departure tax.

Following the pressure put on the airline, Ryanair adjusted its tariffs to reflect the removal of the departure tax and it has also publicly offered to refund departure tax collected in error, Dr Busuttil said.