Remember how kind and sympathetic Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary was towards stranded passengers during the thick of the volcanic ash cloud last month? O'Leary told BBC News that "we're definitely calling for a suspension of these ludicrous passenger compensation rules, which entitle passengers, even those paying 20 or 30 euro airfares, to seek reimbursement." Well, now, it's payback time for the unsympathetic airline.

Italy has fined Ryanair three million euros for not providing 178 stranded passengers with help at Rome's Ciampino airport as required under EU regulations. Under the regulations, the airline is to provide food and lodging for stranded passengers.

The airline is denying the charges, and we can only hope this will all lead to an ugly fight in court.