Ryanair faces legal challenge over EU ownership compliance

Ryanair is facing a legal challenge in the Irish Supreme Court regarding its ownership structure and compliance with European Union regulations. The European Airline Network Association (ENAA), which represents traditional carriers such as Lufthansa and Air France-KLM, has filed a lawsuit to suspend Ryanair’s operating license.

Under EU rules, airlines must be majority-owned and effectively controlled by EU citizens or entities to hold an operating license. The ENAA argues that Ryanair no longer meets these criteria, citing a March announcement stating that only 30% of the company’s shares are held by EU nationals. The association claims it sought intervention from EU and Irish aviation authorities for months but found the Irish Aviation Authority unwilling to act, prompting the legal recourse.

Ryanair has rejected these allegations, accusing its competitors of attempting to “limit competition and choice for air travel in the EU.” The airline maintains that its non-EU shareholders do not possess voting rights, ensuring that the company remains under European control despite its current shareholding composition.