RYANAIR has been hit with further strike action, this time in mainland Europe, which will force the airline to cancel 600 flights over two days, affecting 100,000 passengers.
The airline announced earlier this week it is cancelling 24 flights between Ireland and Britain this Friday, July 20, due to strike action by Irish pilots from the Fórsa union, who are also considering another strike the following Tuesday, July 24.
Now Ryanair has revealed some cabin crew in Belgium, Portugal and Spain are holding what the airline says are ‘unnecessary strikes’ next Wednesday and Thursday, July 25-26.
Up to 300 flights a day to and from the aforementioned countries – which accounts for about 12 per cent of the airline’s 2,400 daily European flights – have been cancelled, affecting 50,000 customers on each of the days.
Affected customers have been contacted and offered alternative flights during the seven days before or after July 25-26, or they can obtain a full refund.
'Entirely unjustified'
“Ryanair sincerely apologises to our customers for these disruptions which we have done our utmost to avoid,” said Kenny Jacobs, Ryanair’s chief marketing officer.
“Given that Ryanair cabin crew enjoy great pay – up to €40,000 p.a. (in countries with high youth unemployment) – industry leading rosters (14 days off each month), great sales commissions, uniform allowances and sick pay, these strikes are entirely unjustified and will achieve nothing other than to disrupt family holidays, and benefit competitor airlines in Belgium, Portugal and Spain.
“All affected customers have been contacted by email and SMS text message earlier today and we will re-accommodate or refund all of those whose flights have been disrupted. “
Ryanair has added extra Customer Service staff to help affected customers over the next seven days.
Passengers travelling to or from the affected countries who have not received an email or text today should expect their flight to operate as scheduled and should check-in as normal.
