17 July 2008

Ryanair imposes Stansted cuts

Ryanair is to cut capacity from its man UK hub airport of Stansted in the winter.

The number of weekly flights is to drop by 14%, resulting in 900,000 fewer passengers being carried.

The no-frills carrier is to reduce the number of flights from the airport from more than 1,850 to less than 1,600.

The number of aircraft based at the Essex airport will be cut by a quarter or eight aircraft, down to 28 from 36. 

The announcement follows a planned trimming of winter flights by 18% from Dublin.

The carrier blamed high oil prices, the cost of using Stansted and an alleged failure by the Civil Aviation Authority to control costs for airlines using the airport.

Ryanair confirmed that it will lose less money this winter by sitting eight aircraft on the ground, rather than flying them at an expensive airport like Stansted when fares are extremely low, but oil prices remain ââ¬Åâœstubbornlyââ¬~ high. 

CEO Michael Oââ¬â¢Leary said: ââ¬ÅâœThese winter schedule cutbacks, which are significantly greater than those of last winter, show just how damaging the BAA airport monopoly has become to consumers and the best interests of London and UK tourism and the economy generally." 

by Phil Davies  

• PRINT
• SEND TO A FRIEND
• SHARE

Post your comment

Your Comments (2)

, be the first to post a comment.
Your email:

Your comment title:


Your comment:

Email other comments made to this story

5 characters

• No, he's balming the DAA
  
  

  From The Irish Independent 15 July "Ryanair says its decision to cut back based aircraft numbers and flights at Dublin Airport is for the following reasons: a) Dublin is the second most expensive of Ryanair's base airports. b) Costs at the DAA monopoly continue to increase at multiples of the present rate of inflation. c) The Aviation Regulator continues to rubber stamp unjustified Dublin Airport cost increases including a recent 50% increase in check-in desks and a new (double) charge for check-in desks kiosks. d) With oil at $140 a barrel, flights at high cost/expensive airports like Dublin must be reduced this winter when fares are very low."

  By Gilbert Archdale, Sunday, July 20, 2008
• CEO Michael O'Leary said: 'These winter schedule cutbacks, which are significantly greater than those of last winter, show just how damaging the BAA airport monopoly has become to consumers
  
  

  So is Micheal blaming the BAA for the 18% reduction of the flying programme at Dublin ?

  By david crowhurst, Friday, July 18, 2008