The UK’s aviation regulator, the CAA, have given Ryanair a deadline of 5.pm. today (Friday 29/09/2017) to comply with the law.
The CAA’s ultimatum requires Ryanair to contact passengers who have previously been lied to about their rights under EU law, and to offer them the assistance outlined in Regulation EC261/2004. This regulation requires airlines to compensate passengers in certain circumstances (such as short-notice cancellations), but also to offer them re-routing with other airlines if their flight has been cancelled. Furthermore, it obliges the airline to pay for certain expenses, such as food and accommodation, and the cost of transfers if replacement flights are offered via different airports.
Ryanair had previously lied to passengers about their rights in these circumstances, thereby directly breaking the law. They had also wrongly directed some people to claim compensation via Alternative Dispute Resolution, which is unsuitable for these circumstances.
The CAA requires Ryanair to meet with them before the deadline, and contact all affected customers, with proposals to make good the situation. If the airline does not comply by 5.pm. today, the CAA will continue legal action against the airline, who could face an unlimited fine in Court. The airline have thus far refused to meet with the CAA, so it looks likely that the legal action against the airline will continue.