Ryanair says it will "vigorously defend" the "spurious claims" of a law firm which has issued proceedings against the airline regarding an in-flight incident.
Irwin Mitchell’s specialist Aviation Law Team said earlier this week it was seeking compensation for passengers who were left "injured and traumatised" when their Ryanair flight plunged 20,000 due to a loss of cabin pressure.
The Boeing 737-800 from Milan to East Midlands on April 4 2012 was diverted to Frankfurt following an emergency descent, which led to the release of oxygen masks onboard the plane.
According to the law firm, Ryanair has already admitted liability under the Montreal Convention for the in-flight incident, but because there is a two-year limitation period to bring claims, and as other passengers are still coming forward to lodge claims against the airline, it has issued proceedings against Ryanair to protect their rights.
But issuing a statement yesterday afternoon, Ryanair said it would vigorously fight the claims
"Under the Montreal Convention, passengers may only make a claim for physical injuries arising from an incident on board an aircraft. Claims for psychological or emotional distress are not recoverable and will be dismissed," it said.
"Ryanair has a policy of not negotiating or settling bogus claims such as these and Irwin Mitchell’s attempt to generate publicity for themselves will not alter this policy in any way," said a Ryanair spokeswoman.
