Ryanair threatens to sue rivals over subsidies

The no-frills carrier Ryanair has reportedly threatened to sue rival airlines and state-owned airports if, as widely predicted, it is forced to pay back subsidies it has been paid in recent years. As reported, the European Commission is this week expected to rule that the Irish carrier has broken competition rules by being paid millions of euros in subsidies from Charleroi airport in Belgium, relating to reduced landing fees and ground handling charges. According to The Guardian, the carrier is quoted as saying: “If there is an unacceptable decision, Ryanair will not only appeal but has instructed its advisers to initiate state aid cases and complaints against every other airline flying into every state airport that offers concessions and discounts. “Repayment here could force all of Europe’s airlines and airports to retrospectively make payments as similar arrangements to Charleroi are commonplace in almost every member state.” The carrier also reportedly said that if it is forces to pay back all the subsidies it has received, it would “review the viability of continuing operations at Charleroi and other regional, state-owned airports it uses, and as a consequence consumers will pay higher fares or even have services discontinued”.