Airline reaction update: Ryanair slams 'keystone cops' council bosses
Following news that flights to and from Newquay Airport for most of December will be cancelled, among others, airlines Ryanair and Sybus have been forced to react to an unprecedented situation.
While Skybus are assuring passengers they "will provide ground transport between Newquay and Land’s End Airport for those that need it so they can travel as planned", low-cost airline Ryanair has launched a scathing attack on Cornwall County Council.
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On its website the company describes council bosses as ‘Keystone Cops’ and brands the situation as a ‘farce’.
The statement which rips into CCC states: “Ryanair today condemned the incompetence of Cornwall County Council and the disregard of the RAF at Newquay for the travelling public.”
Despite the airport's assurances that they "are currently implementing contingency plans with our airline partners", Ryanair made it clear that it has little faith in the airport reopening on December 19 and said it has been forced to take action.
The statement continued: “Ryanair has no alternative other than to cancel all flights to and from Newquay with effect from Monday, December 1, until further notice. Because Ryanair has no confidence in Cornwall County Council or their ability to meet the ‘expected’ reopening date of the December 19 we are not willing to take the risk of accepting thousands of passenger bookings over Christmas and New Year when this calamitous Council can shut the airport at just four days notice.”
Ryanair’s spokesman, Stephen McNamara, said today: “The situation at Newquay has descended into farce. It is simply unacceptable that Ryanair and its passengers are given just four days notice of the closure of Newquay Airport for the month of December.
“We will now have to contact thousands of passengers over the coming days (many of whom will be abroad and will be unable to travel back to Newquay) and tell them that the airport has been closed due to the incompetence of Cornwall County Council and the unwillingness of the RAF to keep the airport open for a couple of weeks.”
Ryanair is encouraging compensations claim to be made directly Newquay Airport and Cornwall County on 01872 322002.
Sybus urges customers to contact their travel centre on 0845 710 5555.
Newquay Airport (www.newquaycornwallairport.com) has set up a special helpline for concerned passengers on 01872 322002.
For the full Ryanair statement visit www.ryanair.com.
23 Comments
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by Richard Strafford, Kea, Truro
Sunday, November 30 2008, 10:13PM
“So Ryan Air has cancelled its flights from Newquay until further notice; what a sensible course of action. No-one but an idiot would believe that Newquay will re-open in three weeks time ..... that is unless you were a member of Cornwall County Council.”
by Paul, Wellingborough
Saturday, November 29 2008, 9:44AM
“As an alternative to driving, I used Ryanair last Christmas for an emergency visit to Redruth.
It was far more stressful and door-to-door saved no more than 30 minutes.
If the rail fares were more realistic I'd prefer the train anytime.”
by Matt, Plymouth
Friday, November 28 2008, 9:27PM
“The whole situation stinks,surely CCC can't blame anybody but themselves. HOWEVER... isn't it amazing that Ryanair have this great get out of jail free card? I paid £36 for 2 flights on a 'special offer' for mid January but have now been refunded as the flights are cancelled. So what are the chances that when Ryanair open this route up again, They'll sell me my tickets back for the same price? Whats that I hear you say.....NO CHANCE!!!My only option now is to pay nearly £200 unless i want to travel half way up the country just for a cheap flight...sorry in-laws...won't be seeing you too soon.”
by David, St Austell
Friday, November 28 2008, 3:39PM
“Why should council taxpayers fund a subsidy to an airport anyway? It's high time we had a county council which had a fair set of priorities. Do we see any of the revenue from this enterprise? No. I thought not.”
by Mervyn Hill, Devon
Friday, November 28 2008, 3:13PM
“What a contrast!
The supportive and helpful (to passengers) response of Air SouthWest and the destructive and completely unhelpful response of Ryanair.
Yes, it is very unfortunate and embarrassing that the airport will be closed for three weeks and I am sure that the necessary questions will be asked in good time. However, Ryanair's ranting response is no help to the County, the airport or its passengers.
Yet another example of the Ryanair/Michael O'Leary bully boy approach.
There appears to be a Ryanair 'convenience' about the withdrawal 'until further notice'. It is also completely withdrawing services from Blackpool Airport from 5 January as a 'punishment' for that airport having the audacity to introduce an Airport Development Fee (Sound familiar?). Perhaps these and other symbolic withdrawals of Ryanair services have a link to the current economic climate?
Congratulations to Air SouthWest on their reaction and hopefully some of the Ryanair passengers transferring onto the Gatwick service will not wish to return to Ryanair.”