Aer Rianta Cpt v. Ryanair Ltd. [2001] IESC 94; [2002] 1 ILRM 381 (13 November 2001)

Aer Rianta Cpt v. Ryanair Ltd. [2001] IESC 94; [2002] 1 ILRM 381 (13 November 2001)

The Supreme Court held that Ryanair's defence, though lacking detail and clarity, was not so far-fetched or self-contradictory as to be incredible. The factual disputes and commercial context required resolution at plenary hearing, not by summary judgment.

Citation
[2001] IESC 94
Parties
Plaintiff/respondent: Aer Rianta CPT; Defendant/appellant: Ryanair Limited
Jurisdiction
Ireland
Judgment Date
13 November 2001
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Appeal From High Court Summary Judgment to Supreme Court
Outcome
Appeal allowed; High Court summary judgment set aside.
Legal Topics
Summary Judgment, Variation of Contract, Promissory Estoppel, Airport Charges, Affidavit Evidence
Contract Law Commercial Law Summary Judgment Variation of Contract Promissory Estoppel Airport Charges Affidavit Evidence

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Aer Rianta CPT

Plaintiff/respondent

Ryanair Limited

Defendant/appellant

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Appeal From High Court Summary Judgment to Supreme Court

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Ryanair had a fair or reasonable probability of a real or bona fide defence to Aer Rianta's claim for airport charges
  2. 2 Whether alleged oral variations or collateral contracts existed altering the discount scheme
  3. 3 Whether promissory estoppel applied due to representations by Aer Rianta

Ratio Decidendi

The Supreme Court held that Ryanair's defence, though lacking detail and clarity, was not so far-fetched or self-contradictory as to be incredible. The factual disputes and commercial context required resolution at plenary hearing, not by summary judgment.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; High Court summary judgment set aside.

Orders

  • Proceedings remitted for plenary hearing before the High Court.
  • No final judgment on the merits; issues to be determined at full hearing.