Ryanair threatens to quit lobby group amid EU ownership licence dispute

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said the airline could leave the airline lobby group if the legal process is not withdrawn by year‑end.

The dispute involves Ryanair, Lufthansa and Air France‑KLM over EU ownership rules that affect operating licences and was taken to the Irish High Court after the European Aviation Association claimed the Irish Aviation Authority had not adequately assessed the issue. ENAA said Ryanair’s shares are only 30% owned by EU citizens and that O’Leary holds a 4% stake, while Ryanair argues that non‑EU shareholders have no voting rights, so control remains in the EU. If a ruling against Ryanair is issued, the company may need to adjust its ownership structure but the operating licence would not be automatically revoked.