Jet2 lashes back at threat of fines unless it adheres to European compensation rules

The Civil Aviation Authority accused Jet2 of failing to pay out compensation and providing affected passengers with information about their rights

The CAA accused Yorkshire-based Jet2 and Wizz Air of Hungary of failing to pay out compensation (Getty Images)

Jet2 has reacted angrily to a Civil Aviation Authority threat of fines unless it adheres to European passenger-rights rules on care and compensation during disruption.

All EU-based airlines must provide care in the event of flight cancellations and long delays. In addition cash compensation of €250-€600 is payable when the airline is responsible for the disruption, with backdated claims for flight delays of three hours or more allowed up to six years.

The CAA accused Yorkshire-based Jet2 and Wizz Air of Hungary of failing to pay out compensation. Jet2 was also criticised, along with Aer Lingus, for failing to provide affected passengers with information about their rights. The CAA's chief executive, Andrew Haines, said: “We are determined to stand up for passengers and are taking this action to safeguard their rights.”

But Jet2 accused the CAA of issuing a “materially inaccurate” press release. The airline said it is paying compensation “up to €400 per person even though our average fare is £80” for disruption caused by technical faults, and that contractual terms allowed airlines to limit claims to two years. It said: “Jet2 strictly abides by court decisions and is acting in accordance with the law, not contrary to it.”