Ryanair is to reinstate flights across some 90% of its network from the beginning of July, with an ambitious bid to restore an air transport operation demolished by the coronavirus crisis.
While much of the network will be available, with most bases active, the overall schedule – around 1,000 daily flights – will only amount to 40% of the airline’s normal flying timetable.
“There will be fewer daily [and] weekly frequencies on trunk routes, as Ryanair works to restore some services on the widest number of routes, rather than operating high frequency services on a small number,” the carrier states.
Ryanair says the restoration will commence on 1 July, the “most practical” date, subject to government restriction on intra-European Union services being lifted, and public-health measures being introduced at airports.
The airline has been operating a “skeleton” schedule of just 30 daily services since mid-March, as carriers grounded their fleets in the face of government restrictions.
“After four months, it is time to get Europe flying again,” says Ryanair chief executive Eddie Wilson.
It will urge passengers to respect measures intended to reduce the risk of coronavirus contagion, including use of mobile-based boarding passes, taking fewer checked bags, undergoing temperature checks, and using face-masks on board.
“While temperature checks and face masks [or] coverings are the cornerstone of this healthy return to service, social distancing at airports and on board aircraft will be encouraged where it is possible,” it adds. This means avoiding queues and crowding, particularly during boarding.
There will be no cash sales for catering on board – which will be limited to specific items – and lavatory access will be controlled to prevent queues.
Passengers flying during July and August will also be required to provide details of their trip to assist with EU monitoring of isolation regulations.
