Ryanair to press ahead with lawsuit against British govt

Ryanair says it plans to follow through with its threat to sue the British government over new anti-terrorism restrictions.

Last week, the airline threatened to seek compensation through the courts if the authorities did not ease the restrictions within seven days.

Passengers have been banned from bringing liquids onto all aircraft leaving Britain since the foiling of an alleged plot to bomb transatlantic airliners with liquid explosives.

Restrictions have also been placed on the size of hand luggage that can be brought onto planes.

Ryanair has described the measures as ridiculous, saying they are causing unnecessary costs for airlines and delays for thousands of passengers.

It also says it makes no sense to be imposing such restrictions on outbound flights when they are not in place on incoming planes.

The company said today that it was seeking just over £3m in compensation.

It said its sole motive in suing the government was “to defeat terrorism” and any damages received would be given to charity.