Ryanair to restore 40% of flights from July 1 – but passengers face coronavirus temperature checks

RYANAIR will have 40 per cent of its flight schedule back and running from July 1.

All passengers will have to wear face masks and have temperature checks before flying.

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The airline said: "Ryanair, Europe's largest low fares airline, today announced plans to return to 40 per cent of normal flight schedules from Wednesday 1 July 2020, subject to Government restrictions on intra-EU flights being lifted, and effective public health measures being put in place at airports.

"Ryanair will operate a daily flight schedule of almost 1,000 flights from most of its 80 bases across Europe, restoring 90 per cent of its pre-Covid-19 route network."

Since flight restrictions began in mid-March, Ryanair has been operating a skeleton daily schedule of 30 flights between Ireland, the UK and Europe.

There will be fewer daily/weekly frequencies on some routes, as Ryanair works to restore some services on the widest number of routes, rather than operating high frequency services on a small number.

Passengers will be encouraged to check in fewer bags and check in online - downloading boarding passes to their smart phone - as well as undergoing temperature checks at airport entry and wearing face masks or coverings at all times in the terminal and on board aircraft.

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Anyone who doesn't pass the temperature check will be removed from the terminal, and masks will be given to those who don't have them.

Cabin crew will be offering a limited trolley service with pre-packaged snacks and drinks, but customers will only be able to pay for items with cards.

Queuing for toilets will also be banned, with passengers having to ask to flight attendants for access the bathrooms.

In a statement released today, Ryanair said that all of their aircraft are fitted with HEPA air filters and that all interior surfaces of the plane would be disinfected every night with chemicals.

The airline also said that social distancing at airports and onboard aircraft would be encouraged where it is possible.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary told Good Morning Britain he would "absolutely" be comfortable with his elderly relatives flying on the planes, adding: "But they would be wearing face masks and the crew would be too".

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Brits have now been told to wear face masks on public transport in the latest announcement by the government, with some airlines making them mandatory to fly.

Mr O’Leary has already warned the low-budget carrier won’t fly if it is required to keep the middle seat empty.

Flights for summer 2021 were launched by the lost-cost airline, with trips to Spain, France and Ireland under £40 when travelling next May.

The sale, finishing on May 17, is the latest attempt made by airlines to encourage Brits to book travel for next year in the hopes of the pandemic ending by then.

It comes as ministers revealed a fresh five-step plan to try and keep all workplaces safe from coronavirus yesterday.

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