Spain has ‘no power’ over Ryanair’s licence

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has rubbished claims that authorities in Spain could suspend his airline’s operating licence over a fuel row.

Ryanair has been heavily criticised since it emerged three of its planes made low-fuel emergency landings on the same day last month.

The Irish Aviation Authority and its Spanish equivalent are investigating the mayday calls made at Valencia Airport on Jul 26 after their diversion from Madrid because of storms. Consumer groups in Spain have accused Ryanair of jeopardising passengers’ safety.