RYANAIR has cemented its commitment to Brussels Charleroi Airport with plans to launch new routes from the city next year.

Ryanair today announced a new 10-year agreement committing the low-fares airline to develop Brussels Charleroi Airport until 2016.

NO-FRILLS airline Ryanair has shrugged off the recent European Commission decision that threatened its routes to and from Charleroi airport near Brussels, by striking a new deal with the regional authority that owns the airport.

The ISEQ index closed at 5070.45 on Thursday down 0.74 points.

Ryanair is to scrap its London to Brussels Charleroi route from April 29, it was announced today.

Ryanair passed the 35m passenger landmark at Dublin airport this month since flights began 20 years ago.

Ryanair chief executive, Michael O’Leary has vowed to appeal today's European Commision's decision on Charleroi to the European Court.

No-frills airline Ryanair has rejected Virgin Express’s claim that its subsidies at Charleroi is affecting Virgin's business.

Virgin Express, the airline owned by Richard Branson, has cited Ryanair as a main contributor for a 63% slump in profit for the third quarter.

Ryanair has carried 40m through Stansted airport since it began operations there in 1989.

RYANAIR boss Michael O’Leary admitted to being rattled at the prospect of the EU Commission ruling its deal at Brussels Charleroi airport illegal.

Ryanair is to launch an immediate appeal to the European Court in Luxembourg after hearing that the European Commission is likely to find substantial parts of its arrangements at Brussels Charleroi unlawful.

Ryanair’s profits rose by 39% in the six months up to September 30, according to figures released today.