Budget airline Ryanair is to be investigated by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) for charging customers an extra £10 for seats in emergency exit rows.
The seats, preferred by some because of their additional leg room, are vital in emergency situations because of their proximity to exit doors.
However, due to Ryanair charging customers more for the roomy seats, customers are instead avoiding them, resulting in a number of flights leaving with vacant places next to the exits.
This causes a problem as exit rows are crucial in emergency situations, with those next to the doors expected to take instruction from the flight crew and open the emergency doors if required.
With those seats left empty and evacuation procedures slowed, passengers lives are potentially being put at risk.
The IAA will look into the situation, while the British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) has also voiced concerns about the policy.
Ryanair, which has a history of unpopular fees and PR controversies, said it would comply with any investigation but that it fully expected a positive result for the company.
“Ryanair complies with all mandatory safety directives,” said the spokesperson, “all passengers are provided with the same safety and evacuation information.”