Ryanair has misrepresented Aer Rianta's charges and is continuing to collect extra charges from the public on the basis of that misrepresentation, the High Court was told yesterday.
Aer Rianta wants a court order restraining Ryanair from imposing a charge on its passengers, a charge which Aer Rianta claims is in excess of those levied by Aer Rianta on Ryanair.
The dispute arises from Ryanair's decision to increase its passenger service charges to £9.20 from £7.20. Ryanair has claimed the rise is necessary due to increased charges by Aer Rianta but Aer Rianta insists it has not increased its charges.
When the matter came before Mr Justice Kearns yesterday, Mr Gerard Hogan SC, for Ryanair, sought an adjournment to allow an affidavit by Ryanair chief executive Mr Michael O'Leary to be sworn by tomorrow. Counsel said Mr O'Leary was away but the affidavit would be ready by tomorrow.
Mr Paul Sreenan SC, for Aer Rianta, said the matter was urgent. His main concern about adjourning the matter was that, because of the misrepresentation by Ryanair of Aer Rianta's charges, the collection of extra charges from the public would continue for another week.
Mr Justice Kearns said he would grant a week-long adjournment and noted Mr Hogan's statement regarding the affidavit.
