Ryanair requests British government to help over landing row

Ryanair is to appeal to British transport secretary Alistair Darling for help in its battle with the European commission over cut-price landing deals at continental airports.

Chief executive, Michael O'Leary, said yesterday that he was anxious to meet with Darling to ask for his intervention, which he claims could have huge implications for British carriers such as EasyJet, MyTravelLite and FlyBE.

The commission is expected to rule within weeks as to whether Ryanair's deal with Belgium's state-owned Charleroi airport constitutes illegal aid from the Belgian government.

A spokesperson for the British government said Darling would be prepared to meet O'Leary, but did not comment on the minister's view of the controversy.

Yesterday O'Leary claimed Luton-based carrier EasyJet may have similar trouble to Ryanair regarding its deals with German and French airports.

EasyJet has rejected his claims, saying the problem was an issue for Ryanair.