Ryanair warns more flights are at risk after being forced to scrap number of routes to Europe
BUDGET airline Ryanair could scrap more flights in France over the course of the next year.
The low-cost carrier is expected to reduce flights to French airports by up to five per cent, according to airline boss Michael O’Leary.
Quoted in Le Figaro Mr O’Leary said: “The sad truth is that France is not growing as much [as other European countries].“
It comes after the low-cost airline scrapped its services from Paris-Vatry Airport (Marne) earlier this year.
And last year, Ryanair pulled its services from Bordeaux Airport in a separate dispute over airport fees.
The French Airports Association (Union des Aéroports Français) expects Ryanair to cut services in 2025 and 2026.
Nicolas Paulissen, who is the general delegate of the French Airports Association, told The Connexion: “We expect more damage in winter 2025-26 and even more in spring/summer 2026.”
Mr Paulissen says regional airports in France had received letters from Ryanair.
In the letters, the low-cost airline told French airports it would be complicated to remain in France because of recent tax rises.
Paulissen added: “And Ryanair usually acts on its threats, but I think there will have to be losses before the government reacts.”
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary described France as an ‘uncompetitive market‘ for airlines.
Last year, Ryanair threatened to scrap flights from 10 French airports.
This was in response to a proposed tax hike by the French government, which would see the cost of airline tickets rise.
Jason McGuinness, the airline’s commercial officer, issued the following statement in 2024: “Ryanair is now reviewing its French schedules and expects to cut capacity to/from regional French airports by up to 50 percent from January 2025 if the French government proceeds with its short-sighted plan to triple passenger taxes”.
The airline will not axe its services entirely; however, routes will operate at a lower capacity.
It is not yet known which routes will run at a reduced service.
Sun Online Travel have contacted Ryanair for comment.
In recent weeks and months, Ryanair has axed several routes and reduced capacity to destinations across Europe and North Africa.
The airline cancelled all trips to and from Aalborg, after Denmark announced new aviation taxes.
Ryanair has stopped flights from Bournemouth to Budapest.
Advice for flying with Ryanair
- All Ryanair passengers can bring a small personal bag on board but this must fit under the seat in front of you, but it must be no bigger than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm
- Any over-sized cabin bags will be refused at the boarding gate and put in the hold for a fee
- Ryanair also charges passengers up to £55 check-in at the airport
- Anyone who loses their card at the airport will have to pay a £20 reissue fee
- Book to sit in the front five rows if you want to head off the plane first
- Extra legroom seats can be found in rows 1 A, B, C or 2 D, E, F as well as row 16 and 17 near the emergency exit
- The worst seat on Ryanair’s Boeing 737-800 aircraft is also 11A because of its lack of window.
But it’s not all doom and gloom with Ryanair launching five new flights from London Stansted to destinations across Europe.
The new routes include flights to Reggio Calabria in Italy, which have already launched.