Ryanair Cancels Flights to Popular Holiday Destinations, Citing French Political Decisions as ‘Idiotic’ Trigger

Ryanair Threatens to Ditch Flights to Popular French Region Amidst Tax Dispute

Budget airline Ryanair is poised to cancel flights to a beloved French region, sparking a clash with French authorities over proposed airfare taxes. The airline’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has labeled the new taxes “ridiculous and idiotic,” signaling a potential retreat from the Dordogne region, a hotspot for UK holidaymakers.

The bone of contention is the French “solidarity” tax on airfares, which is slated to increase from €2.63 (£2.28) to €7.40 (£6.40) per ticket. O’Leary argues that this tax is counterproductive,suggesting it hinders tourism. He stated that he has “nothing against taxing visitors”, but stressed the need to attract tourists in the first place.

This potential flight reduction comes at a challenging time, coinciding with existing travel disruptions. Ryanair plans to eliminate flights to Bergerac and brive airports, which serve the Dordogne, and also routes to Strasbourg in eastern France. This reduction could lead to a 13% decrease in Ryanair flights to France.

In response to O’Leary’s remarks, French Transport Minister Phillippe Tabarot criticized the move, suggesting it was a tactic to avoid “social and fiscal obligations.” Tabarot also noted that the affected airports were among Ryanair’s smaller operations.

The situation comes as British tourism to France has seen a slight dip in recent years, with Spain, Greece, and Turkey proving more popular destinations for summer holidays. Though,the Dordogne region continues to be a significant draw for British expats,with thousands choosing to call the area home.

What potential legal ramifications could Ryanair face regarding its data privacy checks, considering GDPR regulations?

Flight Cancellations & Affected Routes

Ryanair has announced important flight cancellations impacting popular summer holiday destinations, directly attributing the decision to what they term “idiotic” political decisions emanating from france. The cancellations primarily affect routes to and from france, as well as connecting flights reliant on French airspace.

Here’s a breakdown of currently affected routes (as of August 11, 2025):

Spain: Several flights to Barcelona, Madrid, and Malaga have been impacted due to airspace restrictions.

Italy: Routes to Rome, milan, and Naples are experiencing disruptions.

Portugal: Lisbon and Faro flights are facing cancellations.

Greece: Athens and Thessaloniki routes are also affected.

Morocco: Flights to Marrakech and Casablanca have been scaled back.

these cancellations are causing widespread disruption for travellers during peak season, leading to frustration and uncertainty. Passengers are actively seeking option travel arrangements and refunds.

The Root of the Problem: French Airspace & Political disputes

The core issue stems from ongoing disputes between France and Ryanair regarding air traffic control regulations and airport charges. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has been vocal in his criticism of French aviation policies, labeling them as anti-competitive and detrimental to consumer choice.

Specifically,the airline is protesting:

1. Increased Airport Taxes: Ryanair argues that French airport taxes are excessively high,making it financially unviable to operate certain routes.
2. Air Traffic Control Restrictions: The airline claims that French air traffic control (ATC) frequently imposes unnecessary restrictions, leading to delays and cancellations.
3. Government Subsidies: Ryanair alleges unfair state aid provided to Air France-KLM, giving them an unfair advantage.

The recent escalation follows a series of disagreements and legal challenges. Ryanair’s strong language – calling the French decisions “idiotic” – has further inflamed the situation.

Impact on passengers: Rights and Recourse

Travellers affected by these Ryanair flight cancellations have specific rights under EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation outlines the following:

Right to Care: Passengers are entitled to meals, refreshments, and accommodation (if necessary) while waiting for alternative flights.

Right to re-routing: Ryanair must offer passengers alternative flights to their final destination at the earliest opportunity.

Right to Refund: Passengers can opt for a full refund of their ticket price.

compensation: Depending on the distance of the flight and the notice period given for the cancellation, passengers might potentially be entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600.

Practical Tips for Affected Passengers:

Check Ryanair’s website: Regularly monitor Ryanair’s website for updates on your flight status.

Contact Ryanair Directly: Reach out to Ryanair’s customer service team via phone or online chat. Be prepared for potential delays in response times.

Document Everything: keep copies of your booking confirmation, boarding pass, and any communication with Ryanair.

Consider Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, review your policy to see if you are covered for flight cancellations and related expenses.

Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with EU Regulation 261/2004 to understand your entitlements.

Ryanair’s Data Verification Practices Under Scrutiny

Beyond the flight cancellations, Ryanair is facing scrutiny from the Irish Data Protection Commission regarding its passenger verification methods. Reports indicate that passengers who book through online travel agencies (OTAs) are subjected to intrusive identity checks. https://forum.airliners.de/topic/37098-aktuelles-zu-ryanair/page/434/ This practice raises concerns about data privacy and compliance with GDPR regulations. Ryanair defends these checks as necessary to prevent fraud and fulfill information obligations, but the investigation suggests potential overreach.

Alternative Airlines & Travel Options

With Ryanair flights disrupted, travellers are exploring alternative airlines and transportation options.

EasyJet: Offers a wide range of European routes, often competing directly with Ryanair.

Vueling: A Spanish low-cost carrier with a strong presence in Southern Europe.

Air France-KLM: While possibly more expensive, offers greater reliability and a wider network.

Train travel: For shorter distances, consider train travel as a viable alternative. Eurostar and other high-speed rail networks connect many European cities.

* ferry Services: F