Ryanair’s chief executive Michael O’Leary is reportedly confident that the European Commission will dismiss claims that the carrier has been illegally subsidised.
As reported by News From Abroad, the no-frills airline is being investigated by the Commission over allegations that Belgium’s Charleroi airport provided incentives for Ryanair to use it as a hub.
The carrier was also forced to drop its London to Strasbourg service after similar complaints and a court decision to ban a subsidy from a local chamber of commerce. The Commission’s decision is seen by many as crucial to Ryanair’s future. But, according to The Times, O’Leary said that after meetings with the Commission, he was confident that the complaints would be rejected.
The newspaper also reports that a positive ruling would enable the carrier to reopen the Strasbourg route. He reportedly said: “There will be some criticism around the edges of the Charleroi deal, just to make the complainers happy.”
