The Ryanair Elon Musk feud has taken another turn, with Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary firmly rejecting Musk’s suggestion that he could buy the airline.
Speaking to reporters in Dublin, O’Leary described the idea as unrealistic, making it clear that Musk has no path to taking control of the European budget carrier.
How the dispute started
The exchange began after O’Leary said Ryanair had decided against installing Starlink satellite internet on its aircraft.
According to him, the system’s external antennas would create additional drag. That, in turn, would raise fuel consumption. For an airline built around tight cost control, O’Leary said, the trade-off made little sense.
Musk fires back online
Soon after, Elon Musk responded on his social media platform X, accusing O’Leary of being “misinformed.”
The back-and-forth escalated quickly.
In a radio interview in Ireland, O’Leary dismissed Musk’s comments and said they were not worth taking seriously. Musk then replied online, using personal insults and posting a poll asking users whether he should buy Ryanair.
He also joked about appointing someone named “Ryan” to run the airline.
Why a takeover wouldn’t work
Later, O’Leary addressed the takeover talk directly.
Even if Musk wanted to buy Ryanair, he said, European aviation rules would block the move. Regulations prevent non-European citizens from owning a controlling stake in European airlines.
Musk, who was born in South Africa and now lives in the United States, would not meet those requirements.
Still open to investment
Despite the sharp tone of the exchange, O’Leary struck a more measured note when discussing investment.
He said Ryanair would welcome Musk as a shareholder. In fact, he added, an investment in Ryanair could offer stronger returns than Musk’s ownership of X.
A wider clash between tech and aviation
The dispute reflects a broader tension between airlines and technology firms over new onboard systems.
As carriers weigh cost, efficiency, and safety, not every innovation fits every business model. At the same time, outspoken leaders like O’Leary and Musk continue to turn those disagreements into public spectacles.
For now, the feud shows no sign of cooling.
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