RYANAIR'S refusal to compensate passengers affected by strike action earlier this year will be the subject of legal action, it has been revealed.

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority is taking action after Ryanair was hit by its worst-ever strikes this summer.

Pilots and cabin crew walked out in a dispute over pay and conditions and flights were cancelled to holiday destinations including Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Passengers have made claims for compensation to the airline, but these have been rejected by Ryanair on the grounds that the disruption arose from "exceptional circumstances" and is therefore exempt.

The CAA disagrees and says passengers are entitled to compensation under EU law.

Ryanair is a major player at Bournemouth Airport and offers flights to destinations including Spain, Dublin, Cyprus, Krakow and Cyprus.