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My coworker had a flight scheduled for this afternoon from Brussels to Dublin using Ryanair. However, Aviapartner, one of the 2 companies in charge of ground activities like baggage handling, moving planes away from the gate, refueling etc, is on strike today and Ryanair canceled his flight.

Normally, since this is an EU flight that's been canceled, my coworker could demand refund and compensation from the carrier. However, Ryanair is a notorious stickler for refunds etc. In addition, it's not Ryanair themselves that are on strike, but a 3rd party partner. Does this mean that Ryanair can call in "force majeure"? Or are they still required to provide a refund and/or compensation?

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  • If I understand it correctly, Aviapartner does regular ground handling of the Ryanair flights in Brussels. They are not responsible for air traffic control ('... like plane navigation') as you state in your question. The difference may be relevant. – Tor-Einar Jarnbjo Oct 26 '18 at 8:43
  • @Tor-EinarJarnbjo Sorry, I used the wrong word. with plane navigation I meant things like moving planes away from the gate, not the actual on-tarmac navigation. – Nzall Oct 26 '18 at 10:24
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    In theory, if it's a ground handling partner, Ryanair is liable, but they notoriously often refuse compensation in those cases, even though case law is quite clear on the subject I believe. – jcaron Oct 26 '18 at 11:33

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