On 14 October 2025, the High Court in London handed down judgment on the Claimants’ application for interim mandatory injunctions in relation to their occupation of the Diamond Hangar at Stansted Airport. 

The Claimants, represented by Richard Fowler, obtained a number of interim orders; the case raises interesting points on the grant of interim mandatory relief, especially in landlord and tenant disputes.

The Claimants form part of the AirX group, a leading European private jet airline, and occupy the Diamond Hangar under various agreements with the Defendants, their immediate landlords. The parties are in dispute over (1) the state of repair of the hangar roof and (2) the failure of the Defendants to supply the hangar with gas heating; the Claimants say that the Defendants are in breach of covenant in both respects. Moreover, the legal basis on which the Claimants occupy the hangar, and hence the scope of the Defendants’ obligations, are both hotly disputed.

The Claimants brought proceedings seeking various orders in respect of their occupation of the hangar, as well as final mandatory relief requiring the Defendants to repair the hangar roof and resume the supply of gas heating. They also sought interim mandatory orders in relation to both the roof disrepair and the gas supply.

Andrew de Mestre KC, sitting as a deputy judge of the High Court, held that, with regard to the heating, the Claimants were entitled to an interim mandatory injunction; however, since resumption of the gas supply was only partly under the Defendants’ control, they would be ordered to use “best endeavours” to resume supply rather than being placed under an absolute obligation. As to the roof repairs, the judge was not yet satisfied as to what interim works could be carried out and whether they would serve a worthwhile function. He thus directed that the roof be inspected by a fresh expert (or experts), who should report back; if the parties were unable thereafter to agree a way forward, the court could consider further whether an interim mandatory injunction to carry out temporary roof repairs was appropriate.

Richard is instructed by Gemma Staples, Jack Taylor, and Burak Demir of Pannone Corporate LLP. The Defendants are represented by Nicholas Grundy KC and Christopher Stead, instructed by Robinson Ravani & Co Ltd.

Read the full judgment:  AirX Jet Support Limited v London Jet Centre (Stansted) Limited [2025] EWHC 2628 (Ch)