Ryanair has confirmed it will appeal the EU Commission decision to prohibit its latest offer for Aer Lingus.

The low-cost carrier claimed it offered an “historic” and “unprecedented” remedies package that included not one, but two upfront buyers to take over approximately half of Aer Lingus’ short-haul business.

Routes would have gone to British Airways and flybe.

The transfer to these upfront buyers of Aer Lingus’ business on the 46 crossover routes identified by the EU Commission, together with the relevant slots, aircraft, personnel and branding, was ensured by binding, irrevocable commitments by those upfront buyers including board approvals.

The history of the EU’s treatment of Ryanair’s two offers for Aer Lingus conclusively proves that this prohibition is a “political” decision to pander to the vested interests of the Irish government, Ryanair argued in a strongly worded statement.

The Irish government maintained a 25 per cent stake in the carrier.