FLIGHT WARNING: EU may use mystery rules to BAN BA and easyJet in Brexit punishment
RYANAIR CEO Michael O'Leary has warned that British-owned airlines will be banned from flights between European countries after Brexit, as giant companies like Lufthansa and Air France seize the opportunity to punish their UK rivals.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary says Brexit could ground UK airlines
The EU will prohibit easyJet and British Airways from flying between European destinations, according to a shock warning from Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary.
The budget airline CEO said Brexit will trigger a mass flight grounding to and from Britain.
European airlines saw Brexit as an "opportunity" to punish their British rivals and will push for a severe disruption to UK tourists, he claimed.
The outspoken CEO, who was speaking in Brusssels, told Politico's EU Confidential: "If there is a hard Brexit next March, there is a real risk of disruption to flights in and out of the UK.
"We have these arcane rules that EU airlines must be majority-owned by EU citizens.
"When the UK leaves, British citizens will no longer be EU citizens. So there is a risk that British Airways ownership of Iberia and AerLingus will be broken up.
"EasyJet flights between Spain and Italy, between Spain and Portugal, that will stop since that is an UK airline.
"That is the much trickier challenge. While I’d like to se my competitors grounded, I don't think it’ll be good for our industry or our sector.
The Ryanair CEO worries there will be a disruption of flights between the U.K. and the EU27
The budget airline CEO said Brexit will trigger a mass flight grounding to and from Britain
Ryanair chief: Brexit could cause DISRUPTION to airlines
Lufthansa and Air France see an opportunity here to push the rules very hard, very tough
"They will not be allowed to fly. Lufthansa and Air France see an opportunity here to push the rules very hard, very tough.
"It’s in their interests."
He again urged the British to "change their minds" on Brexit.
Mr O'Leary cited the Irish, who twice voted down the EU in referenda but later changed their mind.
The CEO joked: "Keep voting until you get the right answer!"
The remarks from the Ryanair chief will shock British tourists, as Brexit is set to take place next March, just before the Easter holidays.
Lufthansa's CEO has previously commented that teaching the UK a lesson over Brexit might be a good thing.