Ryanair secures Dusseldorf recognition

Ryanair has secured formal recognition from the German government and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that Niederrhein Airport serves the Dusseldorf metropolitan area.

The low fares airline had claimed that both German carrier Lufthansa and Dusseldorf International Airport were trying to prevent Niederrein being recognized as Dusseldorf's third airport.

Speaking after the verdict Ryanair's Head of Regulatory Affairs, Jim Callaghan said: "Lufthansa and Dusseldorf International Airport have tried and failed to prevent competition and low fares choice from Ryanair out of Dusseldorf Niederrein Airport.

"We are delighted with the success of the London-Dusseldorf route and we have overtaken Lufthansa in August, confirming that consumers are voting with their feet," he added.

The company has also appealed an injunction taken against it by the Competition Organisation for using the word "Dusseldorf" in its German advertising.