Budget carrier Ryanair has branded new European Union hand luggage rules a 'gobbledygook regulation' - warning the move will increase fares and mislead passengers.

In a strongly worded statement, airline CEO Michael O'Leary criticised changes to passenger rights laws as 'bureaucratic bunkum' and accused EU lawmakers of focusing on the wrong priorities. 

It comes after Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) agreed on new passenger protection measures on 15 June. 

Under the proposed rules, travellers will be entitled to bring one personal item, such as a small backpack or handbag, on board free of charge. 

According to the European Commission, the changes are intended to improve transparency and help passengers compare fares more easily across airlines.  

However, Ryanair argues the rules will have the opposite effect. 

The low-cost airline says they will force carriers to advertise higher fares that include cabin baggage costs, though many passengers choose to travel with only a small under-seat bag. 

O'Leary, who called initial proposals 'unimplementable' last year, said: 'These latest EU261 regulations are more bureaucratic bunkum from the EU Parliament and Council. 

'Instead of encouraging EU airlines to advertise our lowest fares (which exclude second cabin bags), which is what over 50% of our customers choose, these new rubbish regulations require airlines to falsely advertise higher air fares, making EU airlines even less competitive.' 

According to Ryanair, around half of its passengers choose its basic fare and do not typically pay for additional cabin baggage. 

The airline claims the new rules will now make it more difficult for customers to pinpoint the cheapest ticket options. 

The carrier also warned that the UK could introduce similar measures in the future, as EU261 passenger rights legislation was incorporated into British law after Brexit.

O'Leary further hit out at the EU's wider aviation policies, adding: 'As usual, neither the EU Parliament, nor the Council, have done anything to improve the competitiveness of EU airlines by abolishing Europe's failed harmful ETS [Emissions Trading System] taxation or reforming the EU's broken ATC system.'

He argued that the ETS, which forces airlines to purchase permits for every tonne of carbon emitted, unfairly damages Ryanair's competitive edge. 

Calling for reform of Europe's air traffic control network, O'Leary added: 'Europe's ATC system accounts for over 90 per cent of airline delays, yet the airlines are not allowed to recover our EU261 costs from these failing government monopolies.

'At a time when Putin invaded Ukraine, and there is a war in the Middle East, Europe needs to be more competitive if it is to deliver growth. At this time of international crisis, all the EU Parliament and Council can do is invent new regulations.'

The Ryanair boss also urged Ursula von der Leyen and EU leaders to concentrate on meaningful reform.

He said: 'Ryanair again calls on Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU Parliament, to stop making rubbish regulations which makes EU air travel less competitive, and instead do something competitive for European consumers.' 

Under the new European rules, air fares that include hand luggage will need to be displayed by default before the start of any booking process to allow fare comparisons between airlines. 

Passengers will be allowed to bring a free personal item with a maximum size of 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.

Plus, they will be permitted an additional cabin bag.

This means the cost advertised must include bags – instead of attempting to sell them as an optional extra later on when booking.

The rules are due to come into force in 2027, according to Business Plus.

The European Parliament announced: 'The new rules now include the right to carry on board, without additional fee, one personal item, such as a small bag or backpack. 

'On the insistence of MEPs, price transparency and the comparability of air tickets was increased by obliging airlines, intermediaries and search portals to always display the air fare inclusive of carry-on luggage at the outset of the booking process. 

'Negotiators agreed that airlines may offer cheaper tickets for passengers who choose voluntarily to travel without hand luggage.'