Virgin Express said today it is considering seeking compensation for the damage it suffered to its business as a result of illegal subsidies granted to its rival Ryanair.
Last week, the European Commission ordered Ryanair to pay back subsidies amounting to around €4 million which it received from the state-owned Charleroi airport in the south of Belgium where the company has its continental hub.
Virgin Express, which operates from Brussels National airport, said it has been "damaged by this illegal activity" and is examining all of its legal options.
It said that once the full report by the commission is published, it will "decide whether we are going to seek compensation for damages incurred during the period that the illegal subsidies were offered to Ryanair".
Virgin Express added: "We certainly do not accept that ignorance of the rules is a convincing defence."
Asked from whom the company will seek compensation, spokesman Mr Yves Panneels said Virgin Express lawyers will look at the report and "then define our position" further.
The company declined to say the magnitude of damages that it might be able to claim as a result of the illegal subsidies.