Ryanair forced to cancel 800 flights in another blow for Brits' holidays
Ryanair has had to cancel over 800 flights in the last month and reroute planes due to the tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as the continued unrest in Gaza, reports the Express.
Despite this, Ryanair announced on Wednesday that it still managed to operate more than 109,000 flights in total in June, suggesting that less than 1% of flights were impacted.
The Ireland-based firm reported that it transported 19.9 million passengers over the month, marking a 3% increase compared to the same month the previous year. This means that it has carried a total of 202.6 million passengers over the past 12 months, a rise of 7% year-on-year.
It's not the only airline to have seen an increase in passenger numbers. Fellow budget carrier Wizz Air stated that it carried 5.88 million passengers in June, a 10.8% increase compared to the same month last year. As a result, its seat capacity was 10.4% higher year-on-year. Wizz Air has carried approximately 65 million passengers over the past 12 months, marking a 4.7% increase year-on-year.
The ongoing tensions in the Middle East saw operations halted at Dubai airport last week, with passengers being warned to anticipate further delays and cancellations. Emirates, which operates a number of flights from the UAE airport, subsequently cancelled all flights to and from Tehran, up to and including July 5, 2025.
In a statement in its travel updates, the airline warned: "Customers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in Iran will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice."
The company added that it would plan to resume operations to Baghdad from July 1, and Basra from July 2.
Tensions in the Middle East have continued to cause disruption across air travel. Back in April, easyJet made the decision to pause all flights to and from Tel Aviv. The decision is still in place as the carrier continues "closely monitor the situation", with passengers who have existing bookings being asked to get in touch with the airline up to a week in advance.
A statement on the airline's travel updates, which was first shared in April, explains: "Due to the current situation in Israel, we have made the decision to pause our operations to and from Tel Aviv.
"Customers currently in Tel Aviv wishing to discuss their travel options can contact our Customer Services team on our dedicated line on +44 (0) 330 5515147.
"Customers with existing bookings, who are due to travel next week, will be contacted directly via email and SMS using the details provided at the time of booking and check in.
"If you made your booking through a travel agent, please contact your travel agency for help with your full travel plans.
"We are continuing to closely monitor the situation. The safety and security of our passengers and crew is always our highest priority."
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