Could Airlines Be Fined For Increasing Their Prices?

In Hungary the Government recently issued a decree introducing extra profit taxes affecting several sectors, among others the aviation sector. Pursuant to the Governmental decree, as of 1 July 2022 an extra profittax is payable by ground handling companies based on the number of passengers departing from Hungary, with the exception of transit passengers. The new special tax is HUF 3,900 (approx. EUR 10) or HUF 9,750 (approx. EUR 25) per passenger depending on the passenger's final destination.

Albeit the tax is payable by ground handling companies under the Governmental decree, shortly after its publication rumors took flight that in reality the airlines would have to pay, who would consequently pass the cost on to the passengers - presumably by selling the flight tickets with elevated prices reflecting the increased amounts. The Ryanair dispute with the Hungarian Government is in the spotlight at the moment. The dispute arose following Ryanair's statement that as