EasyJet has lost its appeal in the Lazio Regional Administrative Court in Rome regarding a €2.8m fine imposed by Italy’s competition authority (AGCM) for violations of consumer protection laws during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The court’s decision on February 5, 2024, followed a sanction against easyJet and other airlines for failing to reimburse passengers for flights canceled between June and October 2020 after travel restrictions were lifted in Italy.
The ruling stated that airlines must demonstrate extraordinary circumstances to avoid compensation payments and found that easyJet misled customers regarding their rights, primarily offering vouchers instead of cash refunds.
An easyJet spokesperson expressed the airline’s belief that it has complied with laws and indicated that they will examine the court’s decision and consider their options moving forward.
