Overview
- The European Commission sent Spain a letter of formal notice on Oct. 8, opening infringement proceedings over fines on airlines for charging cabin-bag fees.
- Spain’s consumer authority had imposed €179 million in penalties in 2024 on Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, Norwegian and Volotea for practices including charging for hand luggage.
- Brussels argues Spain’s rules restrict airlines’ freedom to set prices, stating fees may apply to bags that exceed specified size or weight limits under EU law.
- Spain now has two months to reply to the Commission’s concerns, with a potential referral to the Court of Justice of the European Union if the issue is not resolved.
- Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy criticized the EU’s stance and pledged to defend Spain’s position, while a June court injunction has already paused enforcement of the fines.