Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the statement by Ryanair that it may take up to six months for customers to receive a refund for flights aborted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, what plans they have to (1) initiate proceedings against Ryanair to ensure customers are refunded in a timely manner, or (2) withdraw Ryanair's licence to operate.

It is for the Civil Aviation Authority as the independent regulator to determine whether to initiate proceedings against individual airlines who are in breach of their obligations.

Government recognises the challenges businesses and consumers are experiencing with processing large volumes of refunds. In particular, we appreciate the frustration consumers may be experiencing. The government’s position is clear - if a customer asks for a refund, that refund needs to be paid.