An appeals court in Nancy said it will announce before the end of this year its ruling on an appeal by Ryanair against the court's decision to prevent it from receiving subsidies for its
London-Strasbourg route.
The court ruled in July that subsidies received by the low-cost carrier from the Strasbourg Chamber of Commerce, used to purchase advertising space, amounted to illegal aid.
Ryanair had already been denied a request to have the Nancy court suspend its decision pending the appeal.
Ryanair chief executive Mr Michael O'Leary said he is "very hopeful" about the outcome of the ruling. "We believe the court supports low fares. Flying must be for everybody," he said after the court's announcement.