Ryanair to appeal Brussels ruling

No-frills airline Ryanair on Tuesday slammed the European Commission's verdict on its deal with Charleroi airport as a "disaster", and said that the company would appeal in the EU courts.

"This decision will be appealed to the European Court and overturned," said the company's outspoken boss Michael O'Leary following the commission announcement the same day.

"Today's decision is a disaster for consumers, a disaster for low fare travel all over the EU, and a disaster for publicly owned airports all over the EU."

The commission ruled that Ryanair had benefited unfairly from "secret" deals with the Wallonia regional government - the owners of Charleroi airport - that were not open to other carriers.

As part of a 15 year deal, these discounts give Ryanair discounts on landing fees and ground-handling charges, as well as deals to help with marketing and pilot training.

Brussels ruled that 25-30 per cent of the estimated €15 million Ryanair received from Charleroi airport was illegal.

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