Although the airline allowed the group to book onto later flights, four of them were forced to sleep on the airport's floor as it refused to offer them food or accommodation.

The passengers, who were represented by leading global law firm Lovells, had already boarded their aircraft and taken their seats when staff ordered to disembark.

According to British legal magazine The Lawyer, the group argued that they were not mobility impaired because they were all travelling with guides.

They also alleged that Ryanair ground staff then told them that they were not entitled to compensation under the European Commission's denied boarding regulations as they had left the aircraft voluntarily.

The airline initially argued that it was within its rights under its terms and conditions to refuse carriage.