Coronavirus has resulted in huge swathes of flights being axed across the globe. Popular budget airline Ryanair is just one of many airlines hit by the repercussions of the spread of the virus. Today the carrier issued an “important” notice to its customers warning of near-total cancellations.

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Ryanair explained that its flight schedules have been “hugely disrupted” by coronavirus.

This week, the government’s latest travel advice recommended against all but essential travel outside the UK for 30 days in a major blow for the industry.

Ryanair revealed that, over the next week, flight schedules will be cut by over 80 percent.

However, from Tuesday 24 March onwards “most if not all” will be grounded.

All affected Ryanair customers will be contacted by the airline.

Travellers are urged not to telephone the airline.

Ryanair said in today’s statement: “Over the past few days, the spread of the Covid-19 virus has led most EU Governments to impose severe travel bans and restrictions, which have had a negative impact on the schedules of all Ryanair Airlines, causing widespread cancellations and travel disruptions across the network.

“We advise customers considering travel that all Government travel restrictions must be followed.

“The situation changes on a daily basis, and we encourage customers to check relevant local guidelines issued by their Government before they travel, and our Travel Advisory page for more information on country-specific restrictions.

“Our flight schedules have been hugely disrupted by these Government restrictions and will be subject to further cuts:

“From 24:00 hrs Wed 18 Mar until 24:00 hrs Tue 24 Mar, Ryanair Group Airlines will cut flight schedules by over 80 percent.

“All affected customers will receive an email to advise them of their options and we kindly ask customers not to call us as our call centres are overloaded dealing with customer queries.

“From 24:00 hrs Tue 24 Mar we expect that most if not all Ryanair Group flights will be grounded, except for a very small number of flights to maintain essential connectivity, mostly between the UK and Ireland.

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“Details of these severely reduced schedule can be found on the Travel Advisory page on the Ryanair.com website, which will be updated regularly.

“Ryanair will continue to stay in close contact with the Foreign Ministries of all EU Governments on the repatriation of EU citizens, and where possible we may operate rescue flights to support this repatriation.

“Ryanair sincerely regrets all disruptions caused by this unprecedented Covid-19 crisis.

“The safety and well-being of our people and customers is our main priority and we will continue to comply with all WHO and EASA guidelines, as well as all Government travel restrictions which have been imposed over recent days to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

“All our thoughts and prayers are with our people and our customers and their families as we work our way through this crisis.”

The FCO shared its latest travel advice to Britons yesterday.

“If you now need to change or cancel your travel plans, follow these steps,” said the FCO.

These are:

– Contact your airline, travel company, cruise line or other transport and accommodation providers

– Get in touch with your insurance provider

– Continue to follow the NHS coronavirus guidance.

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