Ryanair expects ruling on Aer Lingus shares shortly

Ryanair expects a ruling shortly on its challenge to a UK regulator's attempts to force it to cut its stake in Aer Lingus to 5 per cent from 29.8 per cent.

The airline last year challenged a UK Competition and Markets Authority ruling that it sell down its Aer Lingus stake in the British court of appeal.

Its marketing chief, Kenny Jacobs, said on Tuesday that Ryanair believes that the court could rule on its challenge this week.

Any verdict is likely to result in further appeals to the UK’s supreme court. Ryanair has already said that it would challenge any finding upholding the competition watchdog’s ruling, while Aer Lingus is likely to appeal if the court says its rival should not have to sell.

Aer Lingus has already turned down two approaches from BA's parent, International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) valuing it at €2.30 a-share and €2.40 a-share.

Ryanair expects IAG to make a further bid for Aer Lingus. Mr Jacobs argued that in the medium term, the Republic’s flag carrier, is going to need a partner.