"Disabled passengers trying to book a Ryanair flight have to phone a premium rate phone number - when other passengers can book by phone at the standard rate," says Scottish MEP Ian Hudghton who has taken up the complaints of disabled passengers that the airline may be discriminating against them.

 Worse, according to the MEP, it appears it is only UK passengers who have to pay the premium. No other EU country handling Ryanair flights makes disabled passengers pay extra just to book a flight.

 The MEP took the matter up with the European Commission, alleging that Regulation 1107/2006 was being flouted. This states that airlines must not discriminate against passengers on the grounds of disability.

He received a ruling which states:

 "If such an obligation made to disabled passengers only to contact the airlines via a hotline charged at higher price were proved, it could constitute, according to the circumstances, a disguised price contrary to the provisions of Article 10 of the Regulation."  

 The MEP has tackled the Dublin-based airline over the alleged discrimination after being contacted by constituents who complained at being required to make a premium call to the customer services department.

 "I hope that Ryanair will abandon this apparent discrimination against disabled passengers in the UK."