Italy may fine easyJet, Wizz Air over surcharges for those accompanying minors, disabled

MILAN (Reuters) -Italy's civil aviation authority ENAC said it could fine budget carriers easyJet and Wizz Air for charging extra fees for seats assigned to adults accompanying minors and disabled people.

In a statement on Friday it said early checks showed the carriers had not yet upgraded their IT and operating systems to ensure customers were not charged extra when booking seats next to underage passengers or people with disabilities.

"EasyJet believes it acted in full compliance with the rules in force and that the launch of proceedings to fine it is totally groundless," the UK airline said in emailed comments.

Wizz Air did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

ENAC said it had opened proceedings to fine the two carriers up to 50,000 euros for each allegation, as well as Spanish low-cost airline Volotea.

With the summer holiday season at its peak in Italy, ENAC has urged all airlines operating in Italy to cancel seat surcharges for certain passengers.

Earlier this week ENAC announced measures against Ryanair over similar allegations.

(Reporting by Stephen Jewkes; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)