Well sometimes Ryanair can’t have everything it wants.
The European Court of Justice has ruled that Ryanair’s bid for Aer Lingus should be blocked on the grounds it would create a monopoly for flights from Dublin airport – both of which have dominant positions in the airport.
On Tuesday the court ruled that Ryanair could keep its 29.9% stake, however Aer Lingus had wanted Ryanair to be forced to offload its shares in the company.
Ryanair initially tried to take over Aer Lingus when it went public in 2006, buying 29.9% of the shares. Even if the Irish government chooses to sell its 25% stake in Aer Lingus, Ryanair are now blocked from purchasing the rest and having a controlling interest in the airline.
If anything, this will strengthen Aer Lingus, as an independent airline that can buddy up to a global alliance when it’s ready
