The head of the largest airline in Europe signals an important problem “for all European citizens” after the unprecedented incident in Poland
Michael O'Leary sharing documents for journalists before a press conference, photo: John Thys / AFP / Profimedia Images
Michael O'Leary, the executive director of Ryanair airline, warned that Russia's war against Ukraine will cause disturbances in air transport for years. The warning comes one day after Poland broke down Russian drones that violated his aerial space, reports Reuters.
Speaking at the annual General Assembly of the Airline, the largest in Europe compared to the number of passengers transported annually, O'Leary also said that Ryanair could withdraw from Israel even after the violence of the war in Gaza will diminish. He put this possible move on account of a conflict regarding airport taxes.
“It will be a constant problem”
Several Polish airports were temporarily closed on Wednesday, after the country's armed forces shot down Russian drones, in a premiere for a NATO state after the Ukrainian war began. The flights were resumed a few hours later, but the situation caused chain effects on air traffic control, which led to flights throughout Europe.
“This will be a constant problem for all airlines and for all European citizens in the next few years,” O'Leary said on Thursday. “The risk is that of a continuous disturbance, not in terms of safety,” he stressed.
Director Ryanair said that only 60% of the company's flights arrived on Wednesday, compared to a normal rate of about 90%.
O'Leary said safety is the priority of Ryanair, adding that he is confident that European authorities will act quickly to close the air space and protect the aircraft. The problem for airlines and passengers would be regular closes, which create difficulties as flights are delayed and disruption.
“There is a huge increase in NATO air activity above South and East Poland, which limits the availability of air space for commercial flights,” he said.
The Warsaw authorities also announced on Thursday, the introduction of restrictions on air traffic in the east of the country, which will remain in force until December.
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Possible Ryanair withdrawal from Israel
O'Leary said that Ryanair could permanently retreat from Israel, a country where airline flights were canceled for safety reasons. He accused that Ryanair is “fooled” by the Israeli airport authorities.
Ryanair announced earlier this summer that it will not resume races to and from Israel earlier than October 25, with similar safety measures being taken by several international companies that suspended their flights due to the conflict in the region.
“I think there is a real possibility not to get back to return to Israel,” he said.
“If the Israelis do not mobilize and cease to confuse us, honestly, we have much more growth opportunities in other parts of Europe,” he added.
Ryanair disputes that Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv charges the higher rate for the use of the main terminal when the cheaper terminal, for low-cost companies, is closed for security reasons.
He said, on the other hand, that Ryanair will resume flights to Jordan this month or next month.
