CMA closes lockdown-related airline refund investigation

Incident

During the COVID-19 travel restrictions, the CMA reviewed complaints concerning passengers who were legally prevented from boarding flights that nevertheless operated. It investigated British Airways and Ryanair after questions arose about whether those customers should receive cash refunds instead of vouchers or rebooking options. In October 2021 the CMA closed its investigation, concluding that the applicable law did not clearly establish the refund right in this unusual situation, making continued enforcement un…