European low cost carrier, Ryanair, has announced it will ground aircraft for the winter due to a reduction in passenger numbers.
As a result of rising oil prices and the high cost of using Stansted Airport, the airline’s management has estimated it will be carrying one million fewer passengers compared to 2007.
The 36 aircraft based at the hub will be reduced to 28 and the number of weekly flights will be cut by 14%. In addition the budget carrier will be closing its operations at seven of its European sites later his year.
Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, told the Times: “These winter schedule cutbacks, which are significantly greater than those of last winter, show just how damaging the BAA airport monopoly has become to consumers and the best interests of London, UK tourism and the economy generally.”
Follow us on
