Finnish court rejects proposed €300,000 fine against Finnair over compensation claims

A proposed €300,000 fine against Finnair for rejecting delayed passenger compensation claims has been dismissed by Finland’s Market Court, the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority announced on Monday.

The court ruled that Finnair’s practice of requiring compensation requests—such as for flight delays—to be submitted within two months does not violate consumer protection law. Under Finnish legislation, no strict deadline exists for passengers to file such claims, but the court found the airline’s policy did not constitute illegal conduct.

The case stemmed from criticism by Finland’s Consumer Ombudsman last spring, which accused Finnair of unjustly rejecting late compensation claims without valid grounds. The ombudsman had called for the Market Court to intervene, threatening the airline with a €300,000 penalty.

The ombudsman has previously addressed delays in Finnair’s refunds for cancelled flights as well.