Ryanair has hit out at against the European Commission and Irish Government after officials apparently told the budget airline it would not be allowed to take over Aer Lingus.
The firm said it had been told at a “state of play” meeting that the commission would prohibit its offer for its rival.
But Ryanair insisted it met every requirement placed on it, including providing firm commitments from other airlines willing to take on any perceived anti-competitive service overlaps brought about by the prospective merger.
The airline said it was “another example of the EU holding Ryanair to a much higher standard than any other EU airline”, and immediately confirmed its intention to appeal the decision.
