Ryanair may seek damages from Aer Rianta over supports censure

AER RIANTA may face an action for damages from Ryanair after the Competition Authority found the State-owned airport company acted in an anti-competitive manner. The Competition Authority’s censure of Aer Rianta dates back to 2000 and 2001.

Ryanair complained that rival airline Go was getting a better deal than Ryanair at Dublin airport on routes to Scotland. Ryanair then launched a price war with Go, forcing it off routes to Scotland. Go has since ceased operation.

Competition Authority communications manager Market Garrett said last night: “Aer Rianta was certainly anti-competitive in relation to Ryanair and other carriers. It is now up to Ryanair to decide what action it wants to take in the courts to seek redress. Under competition law it can take a private action to the High Court.”