The Lazio regional court on
Monday denounced what it called a "deceptive practice" by budget
airline Ryanair and upheld an antitrust fine of 850,000 euros.
Ryanair was convicted almost one year ago by the Italian
Antitrust Authority of failing to provide sufficient
transparency on an optional cancellation insurance policy.
Last February, the antitrust authority said the Irish
airline violated Italy's consumer code by failing to give
consumers enough information about the optional policy - an
allegation denied by Ryanair.
In Monday's decision, the regional court said the antitrust
authority correctly concluded Ryanair's cancellation policy was
"a deceptive practice" because it was difficult for customers to
understand.
The court said that, adding to confusion, the policy was
placed on the airline's website near drop-down menus for
mandatory information including country of residence.
"The information provided...was absolutely incomplete and
ambiguous, not allowing the consumer to make a conscious
choice," said the regional court.
Ryanair had challenged the initial court finding.
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