London (CNN Business) Britain's antitrust regulator is investigating whether Ryanair and British Airways broke the law by refusing to refund customers for flights that they could not legally take during coronavirus lockdowns. In a statement on Wednesday, the Competition and Markets Authority said that the airlines may have breached consumers' legal rights by refusing cash refunds on flights that went ahead during periods of lockdown. During coronavirus lockdowns, the UK government made it illegal to travel abroad for non-essential reasons. These restrictions were lifted on May 17, although the government is still advising against travel to certain countries. Ryanair RYAAY IAG ICAGY The regulator said it would seek to resolve its concerns withand British Airways, which is owned by, before enforcing consumer protection legislation through the courts.

Source: CNN June 09, 2021 10:30 UTC