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 E272m 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 E199.45m and E73m in Italian support to the nation’s ailing carrier. It also challenged EU nods for E290m in Belgian aid for Deutsche Lufthansa unit Brussels Airlines as well as a E250m measure to help Air Baltic Corp and E30m 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 E6b German recapitalization for Lufthansa, which the airline is challenging. <br/>