Ryanair ruling - Low-fare travel faces turbulence

If, as expected, the decision today from the European Commission in relation to subsidies goes against Ryanair, it will have far-reaching effects on the industry generally, but especially on low-fare travel.

The company has anticipated the inevitable already by stating in strong terms what it intends to do by way of retaliation, including action against competitors that fly into state-owned airports.

It is anticipated that the commission will rule the discount received by Ryanair on landing charges at Charleroi airport in Belgium were illegal, which will, prompt the aggressive reaction from the Irish airline.