IRISH airlines are pocketing taxes paid by passengers who do not claim them back after cancelled flights.

The majority of passengers do not claim back government levies paid on flights. Many people are unaware that they are entitled to a refund.

When contacted by the Sunday Tribune, none of the country's three main airlines were able to confirm how many flights were cancelled or missed. They also refused to reveal levels of unclaimed tax refunds.

Both Aer Lingus and Ryanair charge 'administration fees' for refunds while Aer Arann failed to respond to queries.

"I know a number of people, including myself, who have gone to get tax back and it's painful. It's not fast, it's not easy, it's painful," said Dermott Jewell of the Consumer Association of Ireland.

"Having looked at this, it is another means by which airlines can retain money they haven't earned.

"We looked at this twice and on both occasions people who were asked if they got their money back almost without exception would either say no or that it's just not worth it. That mindset may have changed because of the times we are living in."

Neither Aer Lingus nor Ryanair were able to give details on the number of passengers who missed flights or had flights cancelled.

The Revenue Commissioners confirmed that: "If a flight is cancelled, no airline travel tax is payable by the airline. If an airline has charged a customer… the question of a refund is a matter between the airline and the customer." However, Aer Lingus refused to be drawn on what happens to taxes not sent to Revenue or back to its customers.

"Aer Lingus is unable to refund taxes, fees and charges in the absence of a refund claim being submitted," it said.

It would not comment on what happens to the unclaimed money.

Ryanair claimed that money not refunded goes to meet tax liabilities on flights where passengers pay between €1 and €10 without additional charges.

Ryanair would not reveal what level of refunds it made last year while Aer Lingus said it gave back about €18.4m, including taxes, fees and charges.