Ryanair is threatening to axe its popular Brussels route because a favourable deal with the airport may be stopped by the European courts.
A spokesperson told TravelMole that the no-frills carrier would axe flights between Liverpool and Brussels Charleroi if the European courts rule that its deal with the airport is anti-competitive.
The controversial deal means Ryanair receives financial aid from the local chamber of commerce, giving it an advantage over other airlines. A verdict is expected in October or November. The spokesman said the carrier was confident the ruling would go in it’s favour.
Ryanair also announced record results. It carried five million passengers in the last quarter, a growth of 45% year-on-year. The no-frills carrier also achieved net profit growth of 12% to a record 43.8 million euros.
However, yields fell by 14% to 42 euros, which Ryanair blames on a number of factors – the launch of 50 new routes and two new bases, the weakness of pound sterling to the euro, and the closure of Buzz for the month of April.
Shares in the carrier have dropped 9p today to 419.5p at midday.
Read our previous stories:
24-Jul-2003 Ryanair ticked off over Dusseldorf branding
04-Jul-2003 Bad news for budget airlines as compensation ruling passed
20-Jun-2003 Ryanair outlaws American Express payments
