Ryanair has confirmed it has complained to the European Commission about Belgium’s plans to arrange financing for the ailing Sabena Airline.
A spokesman for Ryanair told ireland.comthis morning the compliant had been lodged and that Ryanair is seeking legal advice on where to initiate legal proceedings in Europe.
"It is entirely unjustified and unfair that Sabena would receive funding from the Belgium government when all other airlines are struggling to make ends meet.
"Sabena has only once turned over a profit in its 40-year history and has been a constant drain on the pockets of the Belgian taxpayers," the spokesman said. "It can’t continue and we intend to take action in Europe".
Belgium's government, which owns 50.5 per cent of Sabena, plans to arrange bridge financing for the airline for one month to help it create a new airline.
The government has already entered talks with the Commission about the nature of the financing, which will total about 125 million euros ($115.1 million).
Sabena has filed for bankruptcy protection after losing the prospect of getting a much-needed cash injection from co-parent Swissair.
Swissair collapsed earlier in the week due to a severe cash crisis.