Ryanair CEO Rejects Elon Musk Buyout Talk as Public Dispute Grows

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has dismissed remarks by Elon Musk suggesting the billionaire could buy Europe’s largest low-cost airline, as an increasingly sharp public exchange between the two business leaders continues.

The public dispute has played out across media platforms, drawing attention from both the aviation and technology sectors.

The latest comments follow a disagreement over Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, which Ryanair has declined to install on its aircraft.

O’Leary has said the technology would add weight, raise fuel costs, and deliver limited value on short-haul flights where passengers are unwilling to pay extra for onboard connectivity.

• Ryanair CEO rejects Elon Musk buyout talk
• Michael O’Leary says EU rules block any Ryanair takeover by Musk
• Ryanair-Starlink spat escalates into public war of words

Ryanair’s low-cost airline model, he stressed, depends on strict cost control strategy and avoiding features that dilute margins without proven demand.

Musk responded on social media by mocking O’Leary and floating the idea of acquiring Ryanair, claiming he would appoint new leadership. The post triggered a wave of online reactions and polls, reinforcing the visibility of the Elon Musk Ryanair feud, though Musk did not indicate any concrete steps toward a deal.

O’Leary brushed aside the suggestion, pointing out that European Union rules restrict non-EU ownership of European carriers. These EU ownership rules effectively block any full takeover attempt by Musk. He added that while a buyout is unrealistic, a minority stake could make financial sense, describing Ryanair as a resilient European aviation business with steady cash flows.

Rather than de-escalate, Ryanair has used the spat as a branding moment. The airline launched a promotional fare campaign linked to the exchange, turning the airline industry controversy into a short-term marketing push.

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Despite the rhetoric, Ryanair says it remains open to onboard connectivity if pricing improves. For now, the focus stays on network expansion, efficiency, and defending its position in the budget airline sector, while the war of words continues to generate headlines.