Ryanair says it is planning to return to 40 per cent of its schedule in July. The plan would see the carrier operating approximately 1,000 flights per day and 90 per cent of its network.
Since the Covid-19 flight restrictions in mid-March, Ryanair has been operating a daily schedule of just 30 flights between Ireland, the UK and Europe. From July, the resumption would see the airline restarting flying from most of its 80 bases across Europe. There will be fewer daily/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 announcement is dependent on travel restrictions being lifted across Europe, although the airline recognises it would need to collect information from passengers at check-in such as the duration of their trip and their final destination. This information would then be given to EU governments “to help them monitor any isolation regulations.”
Ryanair is also changing some of its services, including fewer checked bags, requiring passengers to check in online and downloading boarding passes to smart phones, as well as undergoing temperature checks at airport entry and wearing face masks/coverings at all times in the terminal and on board aircraft.
The airline says that all of its aircraft are fitted with HEPA air filters (similar to those used in critical hospital wards) and all aircraft interior surfaces are disinfected every night with chemicals, which are effective for over 24 hours. Social distancing at airports and onboard aircraft will be encouraged where it is possible.
On board its aircraft, Ryanair cabin crew will wear face masks/coverings and a limited inflight service will be offered of pre-packaged snacks and drinks, but no cash sales. All onboard transactions will be cashless.
Queuing for toilets will also be prohibited on board although toilet access will be made available to individual passengers upon request. Ryanair encourages passengers to regularly hand wash and use hand sanitizers in airport terminals.
