Ryanair cabin crew member sacked for drinking on flight from Poland to London Stansted

A steward that worked for Lauda Europe, a subsidiary of budget airline Ryanair has been sacked after photos of him downing drinks during a flight went viral and complaints to the captain. 

Sam Thompson, 26, was captured having a whiskey and glugging down a  miniature bottle of wine in the galley whilst working as cabin crew.

According to a report in the Sun,  Thompson was caught after a passenger asked him for a drink and he is alleged to have said "Shush, don’t tell anyone but I will have one, too" and downed a small bottle of Jack Daniels.

A few photos and a video were taken and Thomson, who appeared drunk according to the passenger, as he glugged down the rose wine. The captain was informed and Thompson was arrested upon arrival and failed a breath test. 

Essex Police confirmed that a male had been arrested and charged with “performing an aviation function, namely being a member of cabin of an aircraft during flight, when their ability to do so was impaired because of drink”. 

Ryanair said “Lauda Europe has investigated a reported individual cabin crew breach of this strict policy. The cabin crew member in question no longer operates for Lauda Europe.”

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Ryanair carries 14.2 million people during April and load factor soars to over 90%

One of Europe's leading low-cost carriers Ryanair saw its load factor soar to over 90% during the month of April and carried around 14.2 million people on over 82,600 flights. 

The low-fare-high-fee airline carried 11.2 million passengers in March and just over 1.4 million people in April last year. So far this year the airline has carried 110.2 million people.    

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New route to Malta

Ryanair is all set to start a new route from Bournemouth to Malta for this summer. The opening of this route operating twice per week will give holidaymakers even more choice of destinations, with a total of 15 routes operating to/from Bournemouth this Summer.

Ryanair’s Marketing Director, Dara Brady said:  "As Europe’s no. 1 airline, Ryanair is delighted to announce an exciting new Summer’22 route to Malta which will operate twice weekly starting this July. The opening of this route from Bournemouth reinforces our commitment to increasing connectivity, and travel options for our UK customers with 15 choices of destinations to/from Bournemouth this Summer."

Managing Director of Bournemouth Airport, Steve Gill said: “We’re delighted to see the return of Malta which is a very popular route from Bournemouth and will be warmly welcomed by passengers. It’s further evidence of our strengthening route network and means we can offer even more choice this Summer.”

Put your feet up and relax in beautiful Malta! Discover St. George's Bay, just a stone's throw from a sandy beach and the vibrant town of St. Julian's. Explore the streets of Valletta, described as one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Swim across lagoons in gin-clear waters, to reach inhabited islets, and soak in the sun away from everything.

A perfect island getaway!

Conveniently located in St. Julian's, the resort is only 13.5 kilometres from Malta International Airport and under 10 kilometres from Valletta, the Maltese capital. The Radisson Blu Resort, Malta St. Julian's features 252 stylish rooms and suites including a balcony or terrace where you can admire the lovely vistas. Some rooms offer a view stretching as far as Malta's sister island, Gozo.

Savour exquisite amenities at this chic St. Julian's hotel, which has 4 restaurants and bars at the Radisson Blu St. Julian's Hotel offers a diverse experience. Indulge in Mediterranean dishes at Le Bistro, or enjoy themed dining with varied buffets at Kon Tiki. At the Edge Restaurant, you can choose prime cuts of meat and fresh fish from the display, then watch our master grillers cook your selection. Sip cocktails on the terrace at The Bridge Bar as you take in the sea view.

In addition to a gym, 2 outdoor pool decks, an indoor pool and 2 tennis courts, this Malta resort is home to a boutique spa and wellness centre. You can explore the clear sea and learn to dive like a pro with classes from the resort's diving school.

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Enjoy white sands and clear waters in Mellieha

Along with sunbathing, swimming and other beach activities, Mellieha is home to many local attractions, such as the Mosta Dome, and St. Paul's Bay, or family favourite of Popeye Village Malta, where Robin Williams filmed the musical. Take a walk to the country's only national park Il Majjistral to see the beauty of Malta's untouched wilderness. For added island adventure and beautiful Mediterranean scenery, take a ferry to the neighbouring island of Gozo.

Situated on the northwest coast of an island paradise, the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands lies on the magnificent shores of Golden Bay Beach, near Mellieha. This amazing beach resort offers everything you could wish for from an upscale spa hotel, including panoramic views and easy access to the sand and clear blue saltwater.

Along with sunbathing, swimming and other beach activities, this Mellieha hotel is near a variety of local attractions, such as the Mosta Dome, and St. Paul's Bay is just 5 kilometres away.

A stylish resort hotel on the shores of Golden Bay

To help you make the most of your Mediterranean vacation, the spa resort in Malta offers lavish accommodation that capitalizes on the surrounding scenery with balconies and plenty of windows. After a day of fun in the sun, retreat to your room or suite to enjoy the elegant interior design and modern amenities, such as minibars and free high-speed Wi-Fi.

Dining is also a pleasure at the Golden Sands resort, with 4 on-site restaurants and 3 on-site bars – perfect for celebrating special occasions over food and drinks.

When you're not busy enjoying the sand and sea, you can also take advantage of the 5-star services at the hotel spa. Additionally, the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands Malta hotel features 12 attractive conference rooms suitable for corporate and social functions, with the largest space capable of hosting up to 900 delegates.

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Ryanair reveals its top city break destinations.................

The low-fare-high-fee airline Ryanair has revealed its top-selling city break destinations.

Amsterdam – boasting more than 160 canals, book a cruise to soak up all that Amsterdam has to offer and hang up your walking shoes for a few hours. With an array of must-see museums, make sure to add the world-famous Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh and Anne Frank House to your list. If a canal cruise isn’t for you, Amsterdam is a cyclist’s dream. Why not hop on a bike and pedal your way through the city’s historic and cultural sights, from bustling Dam Square to iconic street markets, and not forgetting about the Red Light District.

Top hotels in Amsterdam:

art'otel Amsterdam

A boutique-style hotel in central Amsterdam, art'otel Amsterdam leads a new generation of hotels. Artwork from Atelier Van Lieshout is exhibited throughout the property, seamlessly fusing art with modern luxury to form an enriching experience. Discover art'otel Gallery space which hosts a various number of exhibitions and artworks from all over the world. Our brand new restaurant, ARCA Amsterdam, has recently opened its doors to the general public and hotel guests. Led by 2 starred Michelin Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, ARCA Amsterdam brings to life modern Portuguese dishes with an Asian twist! Visit here for more information and reservations.

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam.

A clever combination of antique and modern, Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam boasts historic architecture and contemporary accommodation in the city centre, just a five-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. Easily accessible when travelling from Amsterdam airport to the city centre, our iconic hotel is the place for traditional Dutch cuisine and spacious, elegant rooms. Hotel amenities include free Wi-Fi, flavourful on-site dining, a fitness centre, an indoor pool and a sauna. Originally known as Victoria Hotel, Amsterdam and opened on August 19th 1890, the hotel has been immortalised in popular culture by historians, novelists, filmmakers and fashionistas alike. Over the years a long list of prestigious guests, from Louis Armstrong to Mata Hari, have visited the hotel which today enjoys its status as a National Heritage Site. Visit here for more information and reservations.

Park Plaza Vondelpark, Amsterdam

Park Plaza Vondelpark, Amsterdam is a boutique-style hotel in Amsterdam’s uptown neighbourhood Oud-Zuid, just steps from the beautiful Vondelpark. Enjoy the vibrant ‘Little Paris’ famous for its large variety of exclusive shops, restaurants and bars, and the city’s main highlights such as Museum Square where the best museums in Amsterdam can be found. Park Plaza Vondelpark Amsterdam puts guests within walking distance of Vondelpark, Museum Square and Cornelis Schuytstraat tram stop which offers direct access to Leidse Square, Dam Square and Central Station. Amsterdam's Oud Zuid is a great choice for travellers interested in museums, culture, walking and biking.  Visit here for more information and reservations. Please visit here for more information and reservations. 

Budapest

Budapest – party lovers – this one is for you. Budapest boasts a vibrant nightlife with amazing bars and restaurants. Famously known for being the spa capital of the world and its Ruin bars – this combination of unique architecture, panoramic views and River Danube makes it a fantastic city to explore for a last-minute city escape.

Top hotels in Budapest:

art'otel Budapest

Spectacular views of the Danube River and the Országház (Hungarian Parliament Building) are the first to greet guests at art'otel Budapest. Spacious rooms with contemporary interior design and artwork by famed artist Donald Sultan are the perfect backdrop for your stylish stay in Hungary's capital. Sip a cold drink at the bar while gazing out at stunning castles, cathedrals and other landmarks in central Budapest. Located on the banks of the Danube, art'otel Budapest provides contemporary rooms and suites near the best attractions in Hungary's capital city. Please visit here for more information and reservations. 

Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest

Built in 1913, the Radisson Blu Béke Hotel in Budapest invites you to step back in time. Its elegant traditional exterior partners well with the stained-glass windows and frescoes created by Hungarian artist Jenő Haranghy. Ideally located close to both the business and shopping districts, the hotel is within walking distance of popular attractions like the famous Andrássy Street, State Opera House, and Heroes' Square. Cultural attractions like the famous Andrássy Street and the historical castle district are within walking distance of this Budapest hotel's location. Because the hotel is close to transport options, guests can easily also explore farther afield. While you're here, don't miss a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House, about 10 minutes away by foot. Or, mingle with the locals on Margaret Island, a scenic park in the middle of the Danube. Please visit here for more details, information and reservations.

Park Inn by Radisson Budapest

Located in the heart of Budapest's fastest-growing business district, the stylish Park Inn by Radisson Budapest is the perfect starting point for your stay in the Hungarian capital, both for business trips and city breaks. Whether you'd like to host a meeting or explore the beauty of Budapest, our hotel is a well-connected, convenient choice. Located in Budapest's business district, we're well-positioned for day trips to Visegrád and Szentendre or excursions to the Buda hills. The city centre is easy to reach by taxi or public transport, and our front of house team is happy to help with tips and directions. Discover all the treasures of Budapest, including world-class spas, cultural spots, and famous tourist attractions. Please visit here for more details, prices and reservations. 

Vienna

Vienna – renowned around the world as the City of Music, this vibrant city is a must-see for city break adventurers, filled with art collections, must-see attractions and colourful architecture. Check out the Vienna State Opera & Philharmonic Orchestra – which hosts over 15,000 events a year; pay a visit to The Schonbrunn, to Belvedere Palace and St. Stephens’s Cathedral. Whether you’re visiting for a day or several, there’s plenty to explore in this lively city.

Top hotels in Vienna:

Hotel Rathauspark Wien

Follow in the footsteps of famous personalities and stay near top attractions at the charming Hotel Rathauspark Wien, a member of Radisson Individuals. This impressive city palace dates back to 1882 and is located just a few minutes walk from the city centre in an inspiring neighbourhood close to Vienna’s Rathaus and Rathauspark.

The unmistakable Viennese charm of this mansion house is by no means limited to its facade. Experience exceptional comfort in the 117 rooms and suites, each featuring Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV. Treat yourself to a traditional Austrian breakfast at the stylish restaurant or a refreshing drink in our bar. Browse its bookshop with its lovingly selected, Vienna-focused range, and relax with a book in the Platzl - a lounge decorated with a mural by the artist Laura Wolfsteiner, portraying true stars from the Grätzl (local neighbourhood).

The world-famous writer, Stefan Zweig, lived at this address from 1895 to 1907, during which time he published his volume of poetry, Silberne Saiten (Silver Strings) and his first novel, Die Liebe der Erika Ewald (The Love of Erika Ewald). He particularly valued the proximity to the famous Café Central, which has historic links to Freud and Trotsky.

For more information, great rates and reservations, please visit here.

Radisson RED Vienna

Inspired by the energy of Vienna’s second district, Leopoldstadt, Radisson RED Vienna embodies the effortless cool of the city, situated right on the Danube Canal. Take a break at our stylish and fun rooftop bar and terrace Istros – the perfect social hub overlooking the buzzing canal below. Or enjoy all-day dining at Sarāī. Unwind in rooms and suites close to the action, featuring stylish, bold design and free Wi-Fi to always stay connected. Discover Austria’s capital from the hip and young second district, Leopoldstadt. Walk along the Danube Canal and stop in at one of the many restaurants and bars for a coffee, drink, or meal with friends or family. Don’t miss the nearby Prater amusement park for an unforgettable day of thrilling fun for everyone. The historical city center is just a 15-minute walk from the hotel and boasts gems such as the incredible Austrian National Library, the Vienna Philharmonic, the Opera House, and the impressive Schönbrunn Palace. With so much to explore, stay close to the action with the Radisson RED Vienna.

For more information, news, prices and reservations, please visit here.

Ryanair’s Director of Marketing, Dara Brady, said:  "With so much choice and so little time at our disposal these days, we’ve compiled this shortlist of must-visit European city breaks to help our customers decide where their next well-deserved city break should take them."

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More Ryanair flights from City of Derry Airport

Ryanair made a highly anticipated return to the North West in December to operate the new service between City of Derry Airport and Manchester. Following the roaring success over the last few months with consistently high passenger loads, the airline has increased the frequency of the service with a new Monday departure and arrival flight taking off from 2nd May 2022.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, expressed his delight: “We are thrilled that Ryanair’s service between the North West and Manchester has proved to be such a success, demonstrating the importance of this connection for the local catchment area.”

Mr. Frazer explained: “We can see that the service is frequently used by corporate passengers and students who commute regularly, as well as reuniting many in the North West with their family and friends living in Manchester. In terms of leisure, Manchester has so much to offer for family breaks, couples retreats, and group getaways, particularly hen and stag parties who regularly book out our Amelia Earhart Airport Lounge for private parties before they take off to Manchester!

“Ryanair’s budget-friendly fares for services between City of Derry Airport and Manchester start from just £11.99pp one way and with the increased frequency, flights are now available four days per week – Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. These days are ideal for anyone regularly commuting and weekend breaks. Flights are available to book now.”

Ryanair’s Senior Marketing Executive, Megan Grennan said: “We are delighted to increase our frequency from City of Derry Airport to Manchester for Summer 2022. With so much on offer to see and do in the North West from golfing, to historical tours, and lively hospitality, we encourage our customers to book their next getaway to Derry as soon as possible. Similarly, as a hub of nightlife and leisure activity, Manchester is an exciting destination for outbound customers to visit this Summer with flights now available four times per week.”

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Ryanair expects €300 million losses this year

The chief executive of budget airline Ryanair has said he expects the airline to have losses of around €300 million at the end of this year, given the current situation and traffic predictions.  Michael O'Leary told news agency Reuters "We will be in the middle of that range" whilst at the Airlines 4 Europe conference today.

The Irishman also said the airline was considering dropping plans to buy the 737 MAX 10 aircraft after a public spat with the U.S. planemaker Boeing over the price. However, he confirmed that a meeting scheduled for next month with Boeing would still take place. 

Ryanair to pull out of Frankfurt over fees row

The low-fare-high-fee carrier Ryanair will be axing flights from Frankfurt Airport from the end of March over a bitter row over new airport fees. 

Their massive airline's boss Eddie Wilson was quoted by German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (F.A.Z.) that Ryanair will close its base at the airport and transfer 5 aircraft to different bases in Europe because the airport authorities would now lower is new fees far enough.

According to the report, airport operator Fraport raised fees by a modest 4.3 percent, an amount regretted by the firm's managers, but a necessary amount given the last couple of years the airport has endured. in a move which a spokesperson for Fraport initially said they regretted.

They say the new fee structure is extremely moderate when compared with other European airports of a similar size. Plus the fees have already been approved by the local Ministry of Economics and Transport.

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Ryanair passenger numbers 9.5m in December

The European budget airline Ryanair claimed it carried 9.5 million passengers on the 62,200 flights it operated in December. The unaudited figures indicated the low-fare-high-fee airline achieved a load factor of 81%. 

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Ryanair announces 31 routes from East Midlands Airport for summer 22

Over 130 weekly flights to top European destinations

Ryanair will operate over 130 weekly flights from East Midlands Airport to 31 European destinations from April 2022, the airline and airport have confirmed. The massive route network will boost connectivity from the airport as well as creating more jobs in the local area. 

The summer holiday destinations include hotspots such as Alicante, Barcelona, Lanzarote, Malaga, Mallorca, Rhodes and Tenerife to name a few.

Ryanair’s Director of Commercial, Jason McGuinness, said: "As Europe’s No.1 airline, we are pleased to extend our partnership with East Midlands Airport and announce our Summer 2022 schedule, connecting UK families to a host of European hotspots for their much-deserved Summer 2022 holiday. Ryanair remains committed to re-building Europe’s aviation and tourism industries by restoring connectivity and growing our network of passengers to over 225 million per annum by 2026. We are delighted to have extended our long-term partnership with East Midlands Airport.  Our customers can now book a summer getaway to the likes of Alicante, Chania, Lanzarote, Malaga, Mallorca, Rome, Tenerife and many more on amazing low fares."

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Ryanair to cut fares to increase demand and kill competition

Europe's largest low-fare-high-fee airline Ryanair has said it will cut its fares in a bid to entice more people to travel for the winter period as it warns its annual deficit could hit €200m - £170m.

Ryanair's boss Michael O'Leary told the BBC the aviation industry was experiencing a "very strong recovery" all over Europe. He said the carrier would expect to return to profitability in the financial year ending in March 2023. O'Leary said that keeping prices low and passenger numbers high would "set us up strongly for a very strong recovery" it would also help the airline see off struggling competing airlines in Europe. It is an interesting stance for Ryanair to take, while world leaders have converged on Glasgow for COP26 and all environmental campaigners are saying how we should reduce air travel.  

Ryanair reported an after-tax loss of €48m for the six months to September, which compared with a loss after tax of €411m a year earlier. It carried 39.1 million passengers in the same period, more than 2020, but 54% fewer than in the same period of 2019.  

• H1 traffic rebounded by 128% from 17.1m to 39.1m.
• 1st B737-8200 “Gamechanger” delivered in June (65+ for peak S.22).
• Customer Advisory Panel 1st met in Sept.
• €1.2bn 5-year unsecured bond issued in May at record low 0.875% coupon.
• Strong Sept. cash balance of €4.24bn (up from €3.15bn at 31 Mar.).
• Net debt fell from €2.28bn at 31 Mar. to €1.50bn at 30 Sept. (CCFF £600m loan repaid in Oct).
• 560 new routes & 14 new bases announced for W.21/S.22.
• 5-year growth accelerates to 225m p.a. by FY26 (prev. 200m p.a.).

H1 – Group	30 Sept. 2020	30 Sept. 2021	Change
Customers	17.1m	39.1m	+128%
Load Factor	72%	79%	+7pts
Revenue	€1.18bn	€2.15bn	+83%
Op. Costs	€1.35bn	€2.20bn	+63%
Net Loss	(€411m)	(€48m)	n/m

 

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Ryanair to start new service between Derry and Manchester

Europe’s No.1 hated airline Ryanair has announced a new route for Winter 2021 between City of Derry airport and Manchester. The budget carrier will fly the route three times a week and will consider adding an additional rotation if demand requires using a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. 

Ryanair’s Director of Commercial, Jason Mc Guinness, said: "We are delighted to add this new route from Derry to Manchester."

The airline is deliberately trying to mislead the public by renaming the Boeing 737 MAX as Boeing 737 8 2 Gamechanger aircraft in its publicity and distance itself from the two fatal crashes of flawed designed MAX jets that resulted in an almost two-year grounding.  

A spokesperson for the City of Derry Airport said "We’re very pleased to welcome Ryanair back to the Northwest, once again connecting our people and businesses. Manchester is a hugely popular destination from our region, and giving people more options to fly from their doorstep is fantastic"

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New Ryanair base at Venice Marco Polo Airport

Budget carrier Ryanair has announced its latest Italian base will be Venice Marco Polo where it will base three new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and introduce 18 new routes.

The new services will bring the total number of flights the carrier offers from the airport to over 160 a week on a total of 24 routes and marks a big investment for the budget carrier at the airport. The additions to the route network will significantly enhance Venice’s domestic & international connectivity to 12 European countries from Summer 2022, which is partly why Ryanair has negotiated preferential and much lower airport charges.

Ryanair's Venice Marco Polo Airport's routes include Gdańsk, Helsinki, Lisbon, Barcelona and Stockholm. 

Ryanair’s Director of Commercial, Jason McGuinness, said:  "As Europe and Italy’s largest airline, we are delighted to open our newest Italian base at Venice Marco Polo."

Camillo Bozzolo, Commercial Director Aviation SAVE Group, said: "The activation of Ryanair’s new base in Venice strengthens the carrier’s presence in our territory, accelerating the resumption of traffic started at the beginning of June with the opening of the Treviso base. For the SAVE Group, this represents confirmation of the centrality of the airports managed in the development strategies of the main carriers, which will speed up the recovery of pre-pandemic traffic volumes.

Thanks to the 3 aircraft that will be based at Marco Polo, the offer of outgoing destinations aimed at our catchment area will expand, thus connecting more and more niche destinations that will enrich the network of destinations served by the airport."

Ryanair has barred some passengers who received 'chargeback' refunds for Covid-disrupted flights from travelling with the low-cost airline, unless they return the money. MoneySavingExpert.com can reveal some holidaymakers who booked trips for this year were later told they could only fly if they gave back the refunds, in one case just days before travel. 

We've seen dozens of reports of similar issues on the MoneySavingExpert (MSE) Forum and on social media, and we've spoken to three passengers who were told they could not fly until they returned the money. The amounts range from £400 to £630 and were awarded to passengers via the chargeback process for flights not taken because of Government advice.

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Ryanair connects Eindhoven with Zagreb

European budget airline Ryanair will be connecting Eindhoven with Zagreb from this winter season the airline and airport have confirmed.  This new route will expand the route network of Eindhoven Airport to 25 capital cities. 

From 3th of December, Ryanair will fly twice a week between Eindhoven and Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. The flights on Mondays and Fridays will be operated with the Boeing 737 800 with 189 seats.

Zagreb is the economic and business centre of Croatia. The destination is attractive for business travellers as well as leisure and travellers visiting family/friends.

Recommended hotels in Zagreb

Earlier this month, Royal Air Maroc introduced a new service from Eindhoven to Nador in Morocco for this summer season.

With the destination Nador, Royal Air Maroc mainly focuses on travellers visiting family and friends. This also applies to airline Air Arabia, which announced earlier this year that it would fly between Eindhoven and Nador. Royal Air Maroc operates flights on Thursdays and Saturdays with an Airbus A321 (220 seats).

Visiting family and friends in Morocco was not possible for a long time because the borders were closed due to the corona pandemic. Morocco reopened its borders to travellers from abroad on 15 June this year. This makes it possible to visit family in Morocco next summer holiday.

The Turkish community can also spend this summer with family and friends who have come to Turkey by plane. Turkish airline SunExpress has been offering flights between Eindhoven and the city of Izmir since the end of June. Flights are operated on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Corendon flies between Eindhoven and the Turkish city of Kayseri on Tuesday. The metropolis of Istanbul can also be reached from Eindhoven. Pegasus flies to Sabiha Gökcen Airport in Istanbul on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. In addition to business passengers, Pegasus aims for the tourist visitor and travellers visiting family/friends with the connection to the metropolis.

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Trio of New Ryanair Flights to European Destinations Take Off from Belfast City Airport

Flights to Ibiza, Valencia, and Milan have taken off this weekend from George Best Belfast City Airport with Ryanair.

 

The flights, which will connect passengers with popular European sunshine destinations, complete Ryanair’s portfolio of routes from Belfast City Airport, with services to Alicante, Barcelona, Faro, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca already in operation.

 

Judith Davis, Operations Manager at Belfast City Airport, commented:  “With travel restrictions easing, and the anticipated relaxation of guidelines for vaccinated passengers, we are seeing an increase in demand from holidaymakers and those that wish to travel internationally to see family and friends.”

 

The services will operate up to twice a week across each route, providing passengers with additional choice and flexibility.

 

Judith continued: “The addition of these destinations to our comprehensive route network for summer 2021 is excellent, and the feedback we have received since welcoming Ryanair back to Belfast City Airport has been extremely positive.”

Ryanair Flights to Europe Take Off From Belfast City Airport

Ryanair is back at Belfast City Airport and commenced its summer schedule which will connect passengers to Europe following the easing of travel restrictions in Northern Ireland.

 

Flights taking off this week to five destinations will allow passengers to enjoy the sun and fun in both Portugal and Spain, with flights to Italy to follow at the beginning of July.

 

Ryanair will operate up to 14 flights per week to Faro in Portugal, while passengers will be able to travel to Alicante, Malaga, and the popular Balearic island of Mallorca up to 14 times per week, as well as Barcelona up to ten times per week throughout the summer season.

Katy Best, Commercial Director at Belfast City Airport, said:  “With travel restrictions easing, we are seeing an increase in demand from passengers keen to return to flying and travelling internationally. Welcoming Ryanair’s first flights today is significant as it marks the start of a busy summer schedule from Belfast City Airport.”

 

Belarus issues edited transcript of Ryanair - ATC communications

A Ryanair pilot who landed his plane in Belarus on Sunday repeatedly questioned information about an alleged bomb threat, before ultimately agreeing to land in Minsk, according to an editied transcript released on Tuesday by authorities in Belarus.

Belarus scrambled a warplane to escort the flight, which was en route from Greece to Lithuania. When the plane landed in Minsk, Belarusian authorities arrested a dissident journalist. Western countries have described the incident as a hijacking or piracy.

The transcript released on Tuesday differs from excerpts previously released by Belarus state TV, which had attributed some of the pilot’s remarks to the controller. State TV had pointed to its version to argue that the pilot had asked to land in Minsk, rather than that the controller had advised him to do so.

Following are excerpts from the transcript, which Reuters was unable to verify. 

UK airlines told to avoid Belarusian airspace as Belavia banned.

UK airlines told to avoid Belarusian airspace.....

British airlines have been advised to avoid Belarusian airspace following the incident regarding a Ryanair flight that was forced to divert to Minsk so an opposition journalist and activist could be removed and detained.

The Belarusian authorities issued a false bomb threat against the jet carrying over 100 passengers and used a military fighter to escort the Boeing 737 jet to Minsk. It was another drastic move by the authorities in Belarus in an ongoing war against independent journalism and opposition voices in the country.

The UK government has also removed Belavia, the Belarusian airline's permit to operate into the UK with immediate effect. The Civil Aviation Authority will be instructed not to issue any further ad-hoc permits to any other carriers flying between the UK and Belarus.

A spokesperson for the CAA confirmed that following the government's decision it "suspended all foreign carrier permits held by Belarusian air carriers until further notice" - something that applies to both scheduled, charter and cargo operators. The spokesperson added: "The Civil Aviation Authority has also issued a notice to all UK-registered airlines requesting that they avoid overflight of any territory of the Republic of Belarus,".

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: "The scenario as reported is a shocking assault on civil aviation and an assault on international law. It represents a danger to civilian flights everywhere and it is an egregious and extraordinary departure from international law and international practice.

To ensure the safety of air passengers, I have worked with the Transport Secretary to issue notice to all UK airlines to cease overflights of Belarusian airspace, and to suspend the operating permit on the Belarusian airline Belavia with immediate effect."

The UK government is calling for the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to urgently look into this matter and is working with international partners and allies on a shared response, including through the UN Security Council, the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe and at the G7.

The foreign secretary also called for the release of Mr Protasevich from the "spurious charges" he faces.

Lisa Nandy, Labour's shadow foreign secretary has condemned Belarus' act of "modern piracy" which she went on to say amounted to a state hijacking, and was an "assault on the freedoms of the air and on freedom of speech".

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Belarusian authorities order Ryanair plane to divert so they can detain political activist.

A Ryanair Boeing 737 jet operating a flight from Greece to Lithuania was ordered to land in Minsk on Sunday, reports the UK's Evening Standard newspaper. Upon arrival, the Belarusian authorities arrested a journalist that was on the flight. 

According to reports, the aircraft, flying from Athens to Vilnius and had almost reached Lithuania when it was told there was a security alert and ordered to land at the nearest airport, which was Minsk, the Belarusian capital. Some media reports indicate the captain was told there were explosives on the aircraft,  although this has not been confirmed at this stage.  

The low-fare-high-fee airline said the crew was notified by Belarus of a potential security threat onboard and were instructed to divert to Minsk. The plane landed safely, passengers were offloaded and security checks were made by local authorities, the airline said in a statement. To avoid paying compensation to the passengers, the airline stated that the delay was regrettable and outside its control. it added.

Belarusian law enforcers took Roman Protasevich, a 26-year-old activist off the aircraft and have detained him. Protasevich had been placed on a wanted list following street protests after the controversial and disputed presidential election that saw Alexander Lukashenko retain power, despite numerous complaints of electoral fraud.

It is a move that has drawn condemnation from many political figures in Europe and Lithuania has urged the European Union and NATO to respond. Germany has called for an immediate explanation whereas European Commission head, Ursula von der Leyen, said the action was “utterly unacceptable”. Poland’s Prime Minister said it was a “reprehensible act of state terrorism”.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said: “I call on NATO and EU allies to immediately react to the threat posed to international civil aviation by the Belarus regime. The international community must take immediate steps that this does not repeat,”

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Two court victories for Ryanair over state aid to European carriers.

The Irish budget carrier Ryanair has won two court victories, news agency Reuters is reporting in the low-fare-high-fee airline's battle against state aid to rivals airlines in Europe. 

The Luxembourg-based General Court has annulled the support given to Amsterdam based KLM and Portugal's Transportes Aereos Portugueses - TAP saying regulators failed to justify the huge cash injections given to the national carriers at the height of the global pandemic. However, the court said the annulments - and the recovery of the money - would be suspended pending new decisions by the Commission.

The court advised "The General Court annuls the Commission's decision to approve the Netherlands financial aid for the airline KLM amid the COVID-19 pandemic on the grounds of inadequate reasoning," They also rejected the EU executive's clearance of state support for TAP saying "an inadequate statement of reasons".

Previously, the EU cleared a €3.4-billion/ $4.15 billion Dutch government bailout for struggling airline KLM and a €1.2 billion rescue package for TAP

Budget carrier Ryanair posts highest annual loss - but expects to break even this year

The Irish budget airline Ryanair has released details of its record annual loss today, Monday and expects it will break even, at best in this coming year.   

The low-cost-high-fee airline has been badly affected by the pandemic and its resulting border closures and travel bans.  However, the airline says there is still much uncertainty around the lifting of the current travel restrictions as well as how much extra passengers will now be willing to shell out for flights.  Europe's largest budget carrier says the 12 months to the end of March this year have been the most challenging in its history, sacking more than 1000 people and cutting capacity by around 80%.

The airline announced a record annual after-tax loss of €815 million for the financial year ending 31st March,  which was slightly better than the firm's own forecast of  €834 million.  "It's better than we predicted, but still a fairly traumatic loss for an airline that has been consistently profitable for our 35-year history," Group Chief Executive Michael O'Leary said.

Ryanair flew 27.5 million passengers during the year, a vast number of people,  yet dramatically lower than the 149 million the previous year. However, the airline is seeing an increase in bookings and expected between 5-6 million passengers to fly with it during the  April-June quarter.  O'Leary believes the budget airline will fly between 80 and 100 million people in the year to March 31, 2022.

"The likely outturn... is that we are looking at something between a very small loss and break-even for the next 12 months but there are a lot of moving parts and there is a lot of uncertainty," commented O'Leary,  "Most of the uncertainty revolves around the timing of the recovery and the fares that people will pay into the key June, July, August, September travel period," he said.

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