Ryanair (FR, Dublin International) has announced it will oppose legal action by the European Network Airlines Association (ENAA) challenging its compliance with European Union ownership and control rules, arguing that the proceedings seek to restrict competition and could result in the suspension of its air operator certificate (AOC).

This comes after ENAA, whose members include Lufthansa Group and Air France-KLM and their subsidiary airlines, initiated proceedings against the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) in the Irish High Court, seeking a judicial review of Ryanair's compliance with EU ownership and control requirements. The IAA regulates Irish airlines. Ryanair is a notice party in the case.

In a statement on October 5, 2026, Ryanair said it "fully complies with EU ownership and control requirements" and would "vigorously oppose" what it described as ENAA's attempt to use the rules to ground Ryanair by suspending its AOC.

According to the Irish Independent newspaper, ENAA claims Ryanair does not comply with the Air Services Regulation (EC No 1008/2008) requirement that no more than 50% of relevant equity share capital is owned by non-EU nationals.

In a separate statement on October 6, the Amsterdam-registered association said Ryanair's annual report showed that only 30% of its issued share capital was held by EU nationals as of March 31, 2026. It said concerns over Ryanair's compliance arose after the airline changed its share ownership rules in March 2025.

ENAA said it had asked the European Commission and relevant national licensing authorities to verify Ryanair’s compliance but decided to pursue judicial review after concluding that the IAA was reluctant to engage with the matter.