In a bid to improve punctuality of flights, Ryanair have announced they will cancel 40 to 50 flights every day for the next six weeks.
On Friday, Ryanair said that it was “unacceptable” that its punctuality had fallen below 80% in the first half of September.
The budget Irish-based airline announced it will cancel 40 to 50 flights a day for the next six weeks due to a backlog of staff leave.
Many customers have reacted furiously to the cancellations, saying that their trips have been ruined by the decision.
Ridiculous from @Ryanair. Cancel a flight at 2 days notice – only offer a flight for 3 days later! Holiday plans up in smoke. Thanks a bunch
— Denis Mahon (@denmahon) 15 September 2017
@Ryanair I am beyond annoyed!! Cancelled my flight for Thursday. No one available on your online chat or customer service!! Sort it out!!!!
— Beth (@beth_maclean) 15 September 2017
Ryanair have said it has apologised “to the small number of customers affected by these cancellations”.
Approximately 9,000 passengers a day are being told shortly before departure that their flight has been cancelled.
It is difficult to predict which flights will be grounded. On Saturday, cancelled flights included short routes (Gatwick and Edinburgh to Dublin) to relatively long routes (Stansted to Madrid).
Ryanair have said affected passengers can choose between claiming a refund or rebooking their flight.
However, customers do have rights under the European Passenger Rights legislation.
Simon Calder, travel editor of the Independent, said: “The rules say if the airline doesn’t have a suitable alternative flight, you have to be booked on a rival airline.”
He said passengers should also be able to claim compensation for the cancellations.
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