Tens of thousands of Ryanair customers told flights have been cancelled
Almost 50,000 Ryanair passengers have been told that their flights have been cancelled next Wednesday and Thursday due to a strike by cabin crew in Belgium, Portugal and Spain.
The airline said the cancellations affected about 12% of its customers, all of whom have been offered a full refund or alternative flights in the seven days up to July 25 and 26 or the seven days after.
Up to 200 flights to Spain, up to 50 flights to Portugal and up to 50 flights to Belgium have been cancelled. Atogether, up to 300 flights will be affected.
Ryanair said it had added extra customer service staff to help re-accommodate or refund customers over the next week.
Any customers flying to Belgum, Portugal or Spain during the strike days next Wednesday and Thursday who have not received an email or text from Ryanair should expect their flights will operate as scheduled and check in as normal.
Spokesman Kenny Jacobs said: "Ryanair sincerely apologises to our customers for these disruptions, which we have done our utmost to avoid.
"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. "
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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