From what my understanding of the deal is. Easyjet signed a 'deal' with liverpool airport saying they will use the airport excusively for the next ten years from, I think, 1999 and not fly out of any other airport within a certain distance from liverpool. In return, I believe, liverpool airport 'agreed' exlcusive rights to easyjet only at the airport for their sole use for the duration of this contract. However, as we know, liverpool has a large Ryanair base & several other carriers that also use the airport frequently. This, I believe is the main sticking point. Liverpool Airport havn't fulfilled their part of the bargain & as an airline, easyJet has uptill now & until a deal is reached I believe there will be no further extensive expansion at liverpool. Looks like a no win situation until the courts decide! I'll be watching very closely.
