O'Leary: Government is 'screwing' consumers

RYANAIR has launched an attack on the aviation regulator for approving a 23% increase in landing charges.

It has also accused the Government of "screwing" consumers by not building a second independent terminal at Dublin Airport.

The airline's chief executive Michael O'Leary said passengers at Dublin Airport were being "ripped off" by facing higher charges now even though a second terminal, to be built by the Dublin Airport Authority, will not be ready until 2009.

The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) sought a 50% rise in charges from next January to pay for its 10-year €1.2 billion expansion plan. It said without the increase to €7.50 per passenger, it will be unable to deliver the proposed terminal, second runway and expansion of the existing terminal building.

But Mr O'Leary maintained the expansion could be financed through borrowing and the sale of DAA assets.

The airline said it is currently considering a legal challenge to prevent the aviation regulator from increasing charges.