airline

The fines are the biggest sanction issued by the ministry, and follow an investigation into the budget airline industry.

Each fine was calculated based on the "illicit profit" obtained by each airline from these practices.

The Spanish airline industry watchdog, ALA, plans a further appeal and has called the ministry's decision "nonsense", arguing the fine infringes EU free market rules.

In 2012, Washington starred in “Flight,” a film about an alcoholic airline pilot whose drinking habits are thrust into the spotlight after a miraculous emergency landing renders him a hero.

Sources within the airline suggest the situation is being brought under control, but there are concerns that delays this evening could have a knock-on effect on Tuesday's flights.