Ryanair Loses Latest EU Challenge Over Covid Aid for Rivals

Ryanair Holdings Plc suffered a setback in its latest effort to challenge the European Union’s approval of government aid to rival airlines at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, including more than €272 million ($288 million) for Alitalia SpA. 

The EU’s General Court dismissed a series of separate cases brought by Ryanair on Wednesday, without providing the full reasoning of the court.

Ryanair appealed European Commission approvals in 2020 for €199.45 million and €73 million in Italian support to the nation’s ailing carrier. It also challenged EU nods for €290 million in Belgian aid for Deutsche Lufthansa AG unit Brussels Airlines as well as a €250 million measure to help Air Baltic Corp AS and €30 million to support Nordica. 

The Dublin-based low-cost carrier has had mixed results across the more than 24 challenges it’s filed in the bloc’s courts seeking to topple EU approvals for pandemic aid it deemed unfair or disproportionate. 

Ryanair on Wednesday “noted” the rulings in a statement without saying whether it will appeal.

“Belgium, Italy, Estonia and Latvia decided to only support their respective flag carriers, even though other airlines operating in their respective markets suffered similar damage as a result of the pandemic,” Ryanair said.

A lower EU court in May toppled the EU’s approval of a €6 billion German recapitalization for Lufthansa, which the airline is challenging.