Alan criticises Ryanair nine month delay
07 March 2011
Alan Duncan, MP for Rutland and Melton, and Roger Helmer, MEP for the East Midlands, have criticised Ryanair for ignoring a constituent’s claims for compensation following the volcanic ash cloud disruption in spring 2010.
Mr Paul Harrington, of Oakham wrote to Ryanair about a compensation claim in May 2010. Having heard nothing, he contacted Mr Helmer and Alan to help progress his claim for compensation, who both wrote to Ryanair Chief Executive, Michael O’Leary. Neither have received replies. Mr O’Leary had originally promised that all claims pertaining to the volcanic ash crisis would be solved by Christmas 2010. It has been nine months since the claim was made, and despite numerous attempts to contact the company, Mr Harrington has heard nothing.
Roger Helmer MEP said, ‘I am very concerned that Ryanair, along with other airlines, are very reluctant to respond to legitimate complaints from customers and would urge them to do so.’
Alan Duncan MP said, ‘This reflects very badly on Ryanair. The absolute bare minimum their passengers should expect is a reply to these concerns. The company has ignored our attempts to get their attention. Passengers are used to flights being delayed, but to have to wait for a year for a letter is simply not on. I hope that some bad publicity will prompt them into replying. Other customers should also make known their dissatisfaction if they have been treated in a similar way.’