O'Leary hits out at Spanish airports

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary confirmed the LCC is studying "significantly reducing" and scrapping all operations at Alicante El Altet should AENA insist it uses aerobridges, which will push the airline's costs up (Typically Spanish, 21-May-2011). Mr O'Leary stated the obligation is "unjust and discriminatory", saying AENA is abusing its dominant position in imposing the use of the "unnecessary" aerobridges. He compared the situation in Alicante to Girona, where Ryanair was unable to agree with local authorities and subsequently reduced capacity sharply following the disagreement. The CEO said the AENA's monopoly on airport operations is bad for consumers and competition, warning that airport taxes could make travelling to and from Spain unattractive. He encouraged Spain to follow the lead of UK competition authorities, which are forcing BAA to sell airports due to competition concerns.