Linz, Austria – Bailiffs boarded a Ryanair flight bound for London at Linz Airport on Monday after the airline refused to settle a court-ordered payment of €890 in compensation and legal costs to a passenger following a significant flight delay. The enforcement action, confirmed by airport officials, involved the attachment of a “seizure sticker” to the Boeing 737 aircraft.
The dispute stems from a 2024 flight from Linz to Palma de Mallorca that was delayed by 13 hours, forcing the passenger to cover the cost of an alternative flight. She subsequently pursued legal action, winning a judgment in the Traun district court for the reimbursement of her expenses, plus interest and legal fees. When Ryanair did not comply with the court order, the passenger requested authorities to enforce the ruling.
According to a statement provided by Linz Airport, “We were informed that there was a pending claim against Ryanair in court and that a bailiff has been instructed by the district court of the city of Traun to carry out an official act. We accompanied the bailiff to the aircraft, where the bailiff carried out his official duties.” The bailiff reportedly requested payment from the flight crew, but was unable to receive it due to Ryanair’s cashless payment system. The seizure notice was then affixed to the cabin wall, and the flight was permitted to continue to London under conditions set by the court.
The “seizure sticker,” often referred to as a “cuckoo sticker” by Austrian legal professionals, grants the court legal control over the aircraft, potentially allowing for a public auction if the debt remains unpaid by a specified deadline.
Ryanair acknowledged the incident but declined to comment on whether the debt had been settled. A lawyer representing the passenger indicated that enforcement measures would continue until full payment is received.
This incident highlights ongoing criticism of low-cost carriers’ practices regarding passenger compensation for flight disruptions. Under European Commission regulations, passengers are entitled to up to €600 in compensation for delays exceeding three hours. Passenger rights groups have frequently accused airlines of routinely failing to meet these obligations.
The Guardian reported earlier this week that Ryanair previously refused compensation to a passenger whose flight was diverted, initially claiming the passenger had arrived at their destination on a non-existent flight. The airline later reversed its decision and offered reimbursement for expenses after being contacted by the publication.
While aircraft seizures are rare in such disputes, this is not an isolated incident. In 2018, French authorities impounded a Ryanair plane carrying 149 passengers after a protracted legal battle over alleged illegal state subsidies, resulting in Ryanair ultimately paying an outstanding bill of €525,000.
