Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) introduced the measure in 2021, prompting a court challenge from Ryanair.

The Irish budget airline’s challenge failed at first instance in 2022 and has now been rejected by Italy’s top administrative court, the Council of State.

The court said the “need for proximity of the seats between minor and accompanying person is clearly connected with the safety obligation” imposed on airlines, RTÉ News reports.

Ryanair has an ongoing feud with ENAC. In April, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary called on the president of ENAC to “step down and let somebody competent chair ENAC”.

In a statement following the court ruling, Ryanair said: “Ryanair doesn’t charge any fee for children under 12 travelling with an adult.

“The Consiglio di Stato ruling does not require any changes to Ryanair’s current family seating policy.”