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, despite weaknesses in Ryanair's defence, the affidavit evidence and factual disputes were sufficiently substantial and credible to warrant a plenary hearing rather than summary judgment.

Citation
[2002] 1 ILRM 381
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
Outcome
Appeal allowed; High Court summary judgment set aside; case remitted for plenary hearing.
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

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Defendant/Appellant Ryanair had a fair or reasonable probability of a real or bona fide defence to Aer Rianta's claim for landing charges and passenger load fees
  2. 2 Whether alleged oral variations or collateral contracts existed altering the published discount scheme
  3. 3 Whether promissory estoppel applied due to representations by Aer Rianta's executive

Ratio Decidendi

The Supreme Court held that, despite weaknesses in Ryanair's defence, the affidavit evidence and factual disputes were sufficiently substantial and credible to warrant a plenary hearing rather than summary judgment.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; High Court summary judgment set aside; case remitted for plenary hearing.

Orders

  • Proceedings remitted for plenary hearing before the High Court.
  • Summary judgment in favour of Aer Rianta set aside.