Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) successfully represented Ryanair before the Court of Milan in proceedings brought against it by consumer association Codici – Centro per i Diritti del Cittadino regarding its policy on disruptive passengers.
In a decree published on 28 September 2026, the Court dismissed Codici’s action in its entirety, rejecting its request to prevent Ryanair from enforcing a contractual provision applicable to passengers responsible for serious disruptive behaviour on board.
The Court upheld Ryanair’s position and confirmed the validity of the clause, which provides for a €500 charge where a passenger’s conduct results in their removal from the aircraft.
In its decision, the Court found that the clause serves legitimate safety objectives, is not unfair in nature and provides for a charge that is proportionate to the consequences of such conduct for both the airline and other passengers.
The WFW Italy Aviation team that advised Ryanair was led by Of Counsel Matteo Castioni, supported by Senior Associates Michele Laterza and Alessandro Di Carlo and Associate Valeria Consonni.
