Germany's Lufthansa (LHAG.DE), opens new tab lost its appeal on Thursday against a court ruling that struck down EU approval of state aid it received during the COVID pandemic, confirming a victory for rival Ryanair (RYA.I), opens new tab.
The European Union's Court of Justice dismissed Lufthansa's appeal, upholding a General Court ruling that annulled the European Commission's decision to clear the airline's recapitalisation.
"By its judgment today, the Court of Justice dismisses Lufthansa's appeal and thus upholds the General Court's ruling," the court said in a statement.
The original ruling dates back to 2023, opens new tab and followed a legal challenge brought by Ryanair.
“We take note of the European Court of Justice’s ruling. At the same time, we would like to point out that the European Commission’s investigation, which has been ongoing since 2024 and is intended to lead to a new decision, can now take the ECJ’s ruling into account. We will engage constructively in the ongoing process and are in close contact with all relevant institutions,” Lufthansa said.
The decision comes as Lufthansa is embroiled in a dispute with its pilots' union over pensions and has been hit by strike action. The group said on Tuesday it would cut 20,000 short-haul flights from its schedule through October and earlier this month announced the permanent withdrawal of 27 CityLine aircraft, citing higher jet fuel prices and costs linked to the industrial action.
The European Commission and Ryanair did not immediately reply to requests for comment.
