Europe’s largest budget airline, Ryanair, has said they expect that most, if not all, Ryanair Group flights will be grounded from midnight on March 24, except for a very small number of flights to maintain essential connectivity, mostly between the UK and Ireland.
The low-cost carrier has issued a statement that says…
“Over the past few days, the spread of the Covid-19 virus has led most EU Governments to impose severe travel bans and restrictions, which have had a negative impact on the schedules of all Ryanair Airlines, causing widespread cancellations and travel disruptions across the network.
“We advise customers considering travel that all Government travel restrictions must be followed. The situation changes on a daily basis, and we encourage customers to check relevant local guidelines issued by their Government before they travel, and our Travel Advisory page for more information on country-specific restrictions.
“Our flight schedules have been hugely disrupted by these Government restrictions and will be subject to further cuts:
“Ryanair will continue to stay in close contact with the Foreign Ministries of all EU Governments on the repatriation of EU citizens, and where possible we may operate rescue flights to support this repatriation.
“Ryanair sincerely regrets all disruptions caused by this unprecedented Covid-19 crisis. The safety and well-being of our people and customers is our main priority and we will continue to comply with all WHO and EASA guidelines, as well as all Government travel restrictions which have been imposed over recent days to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
“All our thoughts and prayers are with our people and our customers and their families as we work our way through this crisis.”