Italian court upholds $2 million fine against Ryanair

MILAN (AP) - A court in Rome has confirmed a 1.85 million-euro ($2 million) fine against low-cost carrier Ryanair for improperly cancelling numerous flights during September and October 2017.

News agency ANSA said the court on Thursday rejected appeals by the Irish carrier to the fine levied by Italian anti-trust authorities for unfair commercial practices after it cancelled flights due to previously known organizational or management issues.

In addition, anti-trust authorities said that Ryanair misled passengers by offering to either refund or change the ticket, without informing them of further rights to compensation.

Under EU regulations, passengers are due compensation for cancelled flights if informed within 14 days of the scheduled departure, as long as the airline cannot claim extraordinary circumstances.