It seems as though things aren’t quite as rosy today in the European aviation industry as one would hope. Indeed, both Ryanair and easyJet are making cuts as a result of the impact of the current pandemic. While Ryanair is looking to cut its schedule, rival easyJet is looking to reduce its bases.
Overall, the recovery of aviation in Europe seems to be going well. Indeed, just two weeks ago, Simple Flying reported that easyJet was upping its schedule in response to better than expected passenger figures. However, now two of Europe’s biggest low-cost carriers are making cuts on the same day.
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Ryanair schedule cuts
Ryanair has today revealed that it would cut its capacity in September and October. In total, around 20% of the airline’s planned offerings for the two months will be trimmed. As the airline only has one type of aircraft in its fleet, the capacity cuts mean that around 20% of the airline’s planned flights will be removed from the schedule.
However, Ryanair reiterated that it wouldn’t be closing any routes. Instead, frequencies will be cut. For example, a daily flight may only operate four times per week. A Ryanair spokesperson told Simple Flying:
“These capacity cuts and frequency reductions for the months of Sept & Oct are necessary given the recent weakness in forward bookings due to Covid restrictions in a number of EU countries… Proper testing at airports, and effective tracing (as is being conducted in Germany and Italy) is the only realistic and proportionate method of supervising safe intra-EU air travel while effectively limiting the spread of the Covid-19 virus.”
easyJet to close three UK bases
While Ryanair is merely cutting its capacity, for the time being, it seems as though easyJet is taking more slightly more drastic actions. According to the Evening Standard, the airline is to close three of its bases in the United Kingdom. The locations getting the cut are London Stansted, London Southend, and Newcastle.
The bases will be axed from September 1st, meaning that flights from these airports may be affected. While aircraft won’t be based at London Stansted and Newcastle, flights from other bases will still serve the airports. However, operations will cease at London Southend. Affected passengers will, of course, be contacted by the airline regarding their options.
Commenting to the publication, the airline’s CEO, Johan Lundgren said,
“We have had to take the very difficult decision to close three UK bases as a result of the unprecedented impact of the pandemic and related travel restrictions, compounded by quarantine measures in the UK which is impacting demand for travel.”
What do you make of the cuts from both Ryanair and easyJet? Let us know your thoughts and why in the comments!