Ryanair loses legal challenge against travel ban

Ryanair has lost its High Court challenge against travel measures introduced by the Government in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The airline claimed they amounted to a legal restriction on travel in and out of the country. The State disputed those claims, arguing the measures are merely advisory and not binding in nature. Mr Justice Garrett Simons ruled yesterday that the Government had not exceeded its executive powers and trespassed upon the legislative power in relation to the measures. Ryanair's action was against An Taoiseach, Ireland and the Attorney General, seeking various orders and declarations, including one setting aside the measures announced in late July. This included the advice not to travel outside of Ireland save for essential purposes. Ryanair also challenged the requirement for those returning to the State from countries not on the designated Green List to restrict their movements and self-isolate for 14 days. The State argued Ryanair had no legal basis to bring its challenge, that the courts could not intervene with this advice and that the airline's proceedings were moot or pointless.<br/>