The Netherlands Consumer Authority (NCA) has slapped Ryanair with a hefty fine of _370,000 for violating Dutch consumer protection law.

The watchdog said that Dutch travelers paid more than necessary for the tickets they purchased online because the company's website offered airfares included hidden and avoidable charges.

The watchdog pointed out that full costs mentioned by the company were unclear and that consumers weren't provided with the option to correct mistakes before finalizing a booking.

The NCA said in a statement, "Ryanair offered air fares on its website that did not include all foreseeable and unavoidable costs, such as fees and surcharges. Consumers thus paid considerably more than the air fares that were initially displayed."

The carrier was also penalized for its failure to provide an email address on its website, and for not offering customer services in Dutch language.

Responding to the watchdog's decision, Ryanair argued that the decision was littered with errors while also claiming that its website fully complied with all European Union and Dutch consumer protection regulations. The company also announced that it would appeal the decision.