Ryanair's O'Leary Says EU Rules Block Musk Takeover Due to Citizenship

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said Elon Musk cannot acquire the airline due to EU ownership rules restricting majority control of European carriers to non-EU citizens. O’Leary confirmed Brussels regulations would prevent a takeover, though Musk—born in South Africa and a U.S. citizen—is welcome to invest as a minority shareholder. “He’s free to do so at any time,” O’Leary said, calling Ryanair a better investment than Musk’s returns on X. The comments follow Musk’s online poll asking if he should buy Ryanair, drawing nearly 1 million votes with over 75% in favor—though Ryanair’s share price remained stable and prediction markets give a 9% chance of a successful bid. The spat began after O’Leary criticized Starlink’s in-flight Wi-Fi as costly and aerodynamically inefficient, claiming it could add €250 million annually in fuel expenses. Musk responded with personal insults, calling O’Leary an “insufferable, special needs chimp.” O’Leary dismissed the remarks, saying they boost bookings, and urged Europe to counter Donald Trump’s tariff threats with firm retaliation.