Ryanair 'could up prices across European network'

21/01/2010

By James Wilson.

Budget carrier Ryanair might up its prices in April this year, its chief executive has stated.

Michael O'Leary announced changes to flights from Dublin Airport during an interview with the Irish Times.

According to the chief executive, prices across its whole European network could rise at the start of the financial year by up to ten per cent.

Mr O'Leary said: "We would hope that with fares having fallen by 20 per cent over the past 12 months, they would rise over the next 12 months, but I wouldn't hold my breath."

He added that capacity cuts might be introduced at Dublin Airport from March 28th.

The airline, which also offers flights from UK airports such as Aberdeen, Belfast, Manchester and Birmingham, is expected to hold a news conference later today (January 21st) to reveal finer details relating to changes in services from Dublin.

In related news, Ryanair was forced to cancel 52 of its flights yesterday due to industrial action by the Irish Aviation Authority.

Some 6,000 passengers were affected by the strike, which relates to pay cuts.