Ryanair calls EC position ‘bizarre’ as takeover bid suffers setback

RYANAIR’S bid to take over Aer Lingus has received a significant setback from the European Commission.

In an initial response, the commission has said the proposed purchase would significantly interfere with competition as Ryanair has 43% of Dublin Airport’s passenger traffic and Aer Lingus has 37%.

A furious Ryanair described the findings as bizarre and accused the commission of being politically motivated and toadying to the wishes of the Government.