IAG rejects Ryanair prediction for post-Brexit British Airways

Airline group IAG is confident of meeting all EU regulations relating to its ownership British Airways, it said on Monday after the CEO of rival Ryanair suggested it may have to jettison the UK flag carrier after Brexit. Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary believes IAG may have to relinquish ownership of BA after Britain’s Brexit transition ends on Dec. 31, saying he expects France and Germany to insist on strict application of EU rules demanding that airlines must be at least 50% owned by EU nationals or risk losing their operating licences. “I cannot see how IAG can survive as an owner of BA in a post-Brexit environment,” the Ryanair CEO said Monday. However, an IAG spokeswoman responded by saying: “We are confident that we will comply with the EU and the UK ownership and control rules post-Brexit transition period.”<br/>