Ryanair has revealed its plan to resume 40% of flights by 1 July, after halting the majority of its services in mid-March due to widespread travel bans.
The airline confirmed on Tuesday that it is to resume operating up to 40% of its normal flight schedule by 1 July across 90% of its route network. This means it will schedule almost 1000 flights a day from most of its 80 bases. The move is subject to government restrictions and travel bans being lifted across Europe, as well as increased public health measures in airports.
"Ryanair will operate a daily flight schedule of almost 1000 flights, restoring 90% of its pre-COVID-19 route network," the airline said. In a video shared on Twitter, it also outlined new measures to be implemented this summer, which include:
- Passengers to check their temperatures before arriving at the airport and temperature screenings may also take place at airports. "If you don't pass those, you will be required to return home," the airline said.
- Online check-in only with passengers required to download their boarding pass to their smart phones.
- Crew to wear face masks and passengers encouraged to wear face masks and check in fewer bags.
- Contactless payment only for pre-packaged snacks and drinks on board the aircraft.
- Passengers limited to using onboard toilet facilities "upon request" as queuing is no longer permitted.
- Physical distancing at airports and onboard will be encouraged where possible.
- Deep clean of the aircraft every night using chemicals that are effective for more than 24 hours.
- Passengers flying in July and August to complete a form at check in, stating the length of their visit and the address of where they will be staying. This information will be provided to the EU to "help them to monitor any isolation regulations they require of visitors on intra-EU flights."
"After four months, it is time to get Europe flying again so we can reunite friends and families, allow people to return to work, and restart Europe’s tourism industry, which provides so many millions of jobs," said Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson. "Ryanair will work closely with public health authorities to ensure that these flights comply, where possible, with effective measures to limit the spread of COVID-19."
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