Ryanair, the largest low-cost airline in Europe, begins to cut flights with the Italian islands after the introduction of the decree law which sets a ceiling on fares. We start from Sardinia, but in the next few days – according to what we learn – frequencies and connections could also be eliminated in Sicily. “We were forced to reduce our winter schedule for Sardinia by 8% following the introduction of a decree that sets an illegal limit on prices issued by the Italian government”, confirms the Irish carrier which carries over 40% of passengers in Italian skies.
The reductions
Hence, three national routes between the Sardinian capital and Trieste have been cancelled, while direct flights between Alghero and Bari and Treviso have also been canceled. Not only. The programming also shows that the frequencies on seven other routes are being reduced: six national (Rome, Milan Malpensa, Bergamo, Catania, Naples and Venice), one international (Brussels Charleroi). Separating the data, a -6% in Cagliari (compared to winter 2022) and -16% in Alghero emerge. Speaking to the Corriere in early August, Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson had announced the risk of cuts.
Comments
“Ryanair will not be able to unlock Sardinia’s true potential if the Italian government continues to unilaterally introduce illogical and illegal decrees from Rome,” attacks Jason McGuinness, the low-cost carrier’s chief commercial officer. The decrees “serve only to damage island connectivity, particularly in the off-peak winter months, when efficient airlines like Ryanair typically heavily discount fares to stimulate demand.” That is why, McGuinness continues, “we are asking the executive to withdraw the decree which imposes a ceiling on prices”. “The only credible and long-term solution to lower fares between Sardinia and Sicily and mainland Italy is to increase the number of flights offered”.
The comparisons
From the parts of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, however, they want to go ahead with this measure. Discussions continue between Minister Urso and the various carriers involved in the new rules – which are, in addition to Ryanair, also Ita Airways, Wizz Air, easyJet, Volotea, Aeroitalia and Vueling -. Precisely with Ryanair, after the face-to-face meeting at the beginning of August with the managing director Eddie Wilson, “the talks continue on a technical level”, the department maintains. Confirming the “frost” in relations between the government and the main company in the country.
The weight of Ryanair
According to the specialized platforms, this year Ryanair has a market share – on the basis of the seats offered for sale – of 53.3% at Cagliari airport and 53.4% at Alghero airport, but in terms of passengers boarded the share in both plants reaches 60-62%.
2023-09-07 11:04:23
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