LONDON, 10 June, 2021 (TON): BRITISH Airways and Ryanair Holdings Plc face an investigation for breaking UK consumer rules.

The airlines failed to offer refunds to customers for flights they couldn't take.

It has opened enforcement cases against both airlines on Wednesday, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority said.

Andrea Coscelli, chief executive officer at the CMA, said in a statement, "While we understand that airlines have had a tough time during the pandemic, people should not be left unfairly out of pocket for following the law,"

"Customers booked these flights in good faith and were legally unable to take them due to circumstances entirely outside of their control."

The watchdog last year opened a probe into the airline sector, following concerns that during the Covid-19 pandemic, customers were denied refunds while unable to fly and instead were offered vouchers or the option to rebook flights.

The refund issue caused a backlash last year when flights were grounded and customers were forced to cancel trips.

It proved contentious from the start of the pandemic when the airlines steered passengers toward rebooking or accepting credits for future flights.