Ryanair is under fire in Italy where carrier Meridiana-Air Italy accused it of engaging in “unfair competition”.
Meridiana-Air Italy announced it would axe flights between Milan and Bari, in the south of Italy, and Verona and Bari claiming Ryanair was in receipt of “unfair” subsidies.
The Italian carrier claimed small airports such as Bari were giving funds to Ryanair to develop international routes, and it threatened to pull off other routes.
In a statement, the carrier sad: “Meridiana-Air Italy will verify the competitive conditions in each single airport. Should it find distortions, it will immediately axe the connection.”
Ryanair dismissed the accusation. A Ryanair spokesman said: “Ryanair does not comment on rumour or speculation and encourages all airlines to lower fares and compete instead of making false claims and complaining.”
Meridiana-Air Italy operates scheduled domestic services as well as charter and international flights with a fleet of 35 aircraft. It announced a half-year loss of euro61 million (£49 million) this week.
The carrier was formed a year ago from the merger of Meridiana and Air Italy.