Ryanair, Europe’s largest budget airline, is facing intense scrutiny after reports emerged that passengers stranded on its flights for up to 15 hours during Storm Ashley were denied free water. Flights departing from Spain and Portugal were grounded or significantly delayed as the storm wreaked havoc across Europe. Passengers stuck on these flights, many of whom were on planes grounded on the tarmac for hours, expressed outrage over the airline’s refusal to provide complimentary water.

The Stranded Passengers’ Plight

As Storm Ashley caused severe disruptions across Europe, Ryanair passengers found themselves stuck in an unprecedented situation. Travelers on flights departing from Spanish and Portuguese airports, including Ibiza and Lisbon, were stranded inside grounded planes for several hours. Some passengers reported being stuck for up to 15 hours.

Passengers expressed frustration as they were informed by Ryanair staff that they were not entitled to free water, despite the extended wait. One passenger remarked, “It’s absurd. We were stuck for hours in the heat, and they told us we had to pay for water. It’s basic human decency.”

Ryanair’s Response and Policy

Ryanair’s official stance has sparked a wave of public backlash. The airline claimed that, under European Union regulations, passengers are not automatically entitled to free water during delays or extended stays on planes unless certain thresholds, such as overnight stays, are met. This explanation, while technically correct under EU rules, has not sat well with passengers who expected more compassion from the airline.

In a statement provided, Ryanair said: “Our crew followed EU261 regulations. Passengers are entitled to water in the event of cancellations or delays exceeding three hours, but certain provisions apply. In cases of extraordinary circumstances like weather, airlines are not required to provide water if flights are grounded but not canceled.”

Public Reaction and Outcry

The incident has sparked outrage across social media, with many criticizing Ryanair for what they see as a lack of empathy toward passengers stranded in difficult conditions. Twitter was flooded with complaints from passengers, many of whom felt that Ryanair’s business model prioritizes profits over customer care. One frustrated traveler posted: “Trapped for hours in sweltering conditions and they expect us to pay for water? Unacceptable.”

Consumer advocacy groups have also weighed in, calling on Ryanair to revisit its policies and urging the European Union to consider revising regulations to ensure better treatment of passengers in such situations. Consumer rights organizations in Spain and Portugal have begun gathering testimonies from affected passengers, which could lead to potential legal actions.

EU Regulations and Ryanair’s Business Model

The controversy has reignited debates around the EU’s Regulation 261/2004, which governs passenger rights in cases of flight delays and cancellations. Under these regulations, airlines must offer compensation, care, and assistance to passengers, but there are caveats, particularly when delays are caused by extraordinary circumstances like weather.

Ryanair, as a low-cost airline, often pushes the boundaries of what customers consider acceptable service. While the company has long been known for its cost-cutting measures, critics argue that denying water to passengers during a storm delay crosses an ethical line, even if legally permissible. As reported, passengers felt that the storm’s impact on the delays should not exempt Ryanair from showing basic compassion.

The Broader Impact of Storm Ashley

Storm Ashley, which swept across Europe, caused widespread flight delays, grounding hundreds of flights across multiple airlines. However, Ryanair’s refusal to provide free water has attracted more attention compared to other airlines that faced similar challenges during the storm. As a credible source noted, Ryanair’s business practices and handling of the situation have led to calls for stricter regulatory scrutiny, especially concerning passenger welfare during extraordinary circumstances.

The airline has been no stranger to controversy in the past, with previous incidents of customer dissatisfaction over its strict policies on everything from baggage fees to seating arrangements. This latest episode, however, has raised questions about whether its business model can sustain long-term customer loyalty.

A Test for Ryanair’s Reputation

Ryanair’s decision to refuse free water to stranded passengers during Storm Ashley has placed the airline at the center of a growing public relations storm. As travelers share their experiences and consumer advocacy groups mobilize, the airline may face further fallout if the public perceives its policies as out of touch with basic customer care. This controversy serves as a reminder that while low-cost airlines operate on tight margins, customer service remains a critical component of a successful brand.

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