Budget airlines hit new low with libel action between two big players

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has said that Ryanair and its chief executive Michael O’Leary have crossed a line and he has been left with no alternative but to issue legal proceedings for defamation. Stelios – whose easyJet company is fierce rivals with Ryanair in the budget airline market – objects to having been depicted with a long-nose to suggest he was a liar. Stelios also objects to Ryanair’s comments about whether easyJet is in fact a high fares rather than budget airline and whether customers are forced to pay for added extras. The Office of Fair Trading and Government are currently considering whether budget airlines are transparent enough over their pricing and what action to take against them. Mr O’Leary has belittled Stelios’s complaints, by suggesting that they settle the issue with a run around Trafalgar Square or a sumo wrestling contest. Actually, come to think of it, that sounds like a good idea! Maybe more disputes could be settled that way – it might work out cheaper!