- Legacy airlines launched Irish High Court action against Ryanair
- ENAA claims Ryanair’s EU ownership was around 30pc
- Lawsuit seeks suspension of Ryanair’s EU operating licence
- Ryanair maintains full compliance through voting restrictions
- Case before Commercial Court division of Irish High Court
A group of major European legacy airlines has launched a Commercial Court action in the Irish High Court against the Irish Aviation Authority and Ryanair. The action was initiated through the European Network Airlines Association. The group includes Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Air France-KLM.
The association claims the Irish Aviation Authority improperly allowed Ryanair to hold and profit from an EU air operating licence despite violating European Union rules. Under EU Air Services Regulations, an airline must be majority-owned and controlled by EU nationals or member states. The complainants note that as of 31 March 2026, Ryanair’s issued share capital had around 30pc owned directly by EU nationals. The association seeks to challenge Ryanair’s EU authorisation and push for suspension of its air operating licence.
Ryanair maintains it is fully compliant with EU regulations. The airline enforces voting and participation restrictions on non-EU shareholders. Non-EU holders lack voting, attendance, or speaking rights at annual general meetings. Ryanair has branded the move a contrived claim by competitors trying to undermine low-cost travel. The case is before the Commercial Court division of the Irish High Court.
