Ryanair to restore 40% of flights from July 1

Ryanair has announced a plan to restore 40% of its flight schedule from July 1.

The airline said the measure is subject to government restrictions on flights within the EU being lifted and “effective public health measures” being put in place at airports.

It would involve nearly 1,000 flights per day being operated and 90% of its pre-Covid-19 route network being restored.

Crew and passengers will be required to wear face masks and pass temperature checks.

Ryanair chief executive Eddie Wilson said: “It is important for our customers and our people that we return to some normal schedules from 1 July onwards.

“Governments around Europe have implemented a four-month lockdown to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

“After four months, it is time to get Europe flying again so we can reunite friends and families, allow people to return to work and restart Europe’s tourism industry, which provides so many millions of jobs.”

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The announcement comes after the airline said it expects to cut 3,000 jobs, including pilots and cabin crew, from its workforce.

Ryanair previously announced a restructuring programme which could involve unpaid leave and pay for workers cut by up to 20 per cent.