Ryanair Holdings, the Irish low-cost carrier, has announced that it will be reducing its autumn and winter flight schedule. The airline attributes this decision to a delay in Boeing aircraft deliveries, which means that flight cancellations will come into effect at the end of October.
Initially, Ryanair had anticipated receiving 27 aircraft between September and December. However, this number has been revised down to 14, with deliveries now expected from October to December instead.
The airline has cited production delays at the Spirit Fuselage facility in Wichita, Kansas, along with Boeing’s repair and delivery setbacks in Seattle, Washington, as the main causes of the delays. Ryanair is currently collaborating closely with Boeing to expedite deliveries for the January to May period.
Ryanair expressed that, at present, it does not anticipate these delivery delays having a significant impact on its full-year traffic target of 183.5 million passengers. However, if the delays persist or worsen and extend further into the Jan. to March 2024 period, the airline may need to reassess this target and potentially make slight downward adjustments.
While Ryanair is taking proactive measures to manage the situation and minimize any potential disruptions for passengers, its focus remains on providing efficient and reliable services. It aims to address these challenges promptly and ensure a smooth travel experience for its customers in the long run.