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 today.
Aer Rianta is seeking an order from the court restraining Ryanair from imposing a charge on Ryanair passengers which charge, Aer Rianta claims, is in excess of those charges levied by Aer Rianta on Ryanair.
The dispute arises from Ryanair's decision to increase its Passenger Service Charges from £7.20 to £9.20. Ryanair has claimed the increase is necessary as a result of increased charges by Aer Rianta but Aer Rianta insists it has not increased its charges.
When the matter came before Mr Justice Kearns today, Mr Gerard Hogan SC, for Ryanair, sought an adjournment to allow an affidavit by Ryanair chief executive Mr Michael O'Leary to be sworn.
Counsel said Mr O'Leary was presently away but the affidavit would be ready by Wednesday.
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 in relation to the affidavit.