Ryanair puts pressure on Ukraine: airline giant demands discounts and threatens to cut flights

Ryanair's CEO said that the future of flights to Ukraine depends on tariff concessions from airports. Learn more about the possible consequences of these demands

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Irish low-cost airline Ryanair, known for its aggressive business strategy, has made tough demands on Ukrainian airports ahead of the resumption of air traffic after the war.

The company is demanding significant discounts on airport charges, threatening to significantly reduce its presence in Ukraine if its demands are not met.

Ambitions and ultimatums

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said his company is ready to carry up to 5 million passengers in the first year after peace is achieved, and up to 10 million in the second year. However, these plans depend directly on the willingness of Ukrainian airports to make concessions on tariffs.

“We are disappointed with the response from Ukrainian airports, which have effectively refused to cooperate,” O'Leary said. If no agreement is reached, the company will reduce its plans to 1 million passengers in the first year and 3 million in the second.

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Low-cost airline against empty airports

The Ryanair boss said that Ukrainian airports' attempts to keep high tariffs after the war are a “bad strategy.” He stressed that without an adequate reduction in fees, Ryanair will not be able to contribute to the large-scale recovery of air travel and the economy as a whole.

“Airport directors should quickly reach an agreement with us if they want real growth and recovery,” O'Leary stressed.

Plans for Ukrainian skies

If an agreement is reached, Ryanair plans to fly from Ukraine to 30 European cities. Kyiv and Lviv are considered the main hubs, as well as Odesa, provided that the runway is restored.

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