Which Ryanair flights are cancelled? (2024)

So far this year, UK air travel has been blighted by chaotic airport queues, severe delays and last-minute cancellations. While most of these issues have been blamed on Covid-related staff shortages, there’s another threat for would-be holidaymakers hoping for a pain-free getaway: strikes. As Europe’s biggest carrier by passenger numbers, Ryanair stands to be affected more than most. Thankfully, for now, there are no upcoming strikes.

However, the airline has warned passengers that its website and app will both be down for maintenance in November, which means for those travelling, an early check in is needed. Here’s what you need to know.

Main photo: tourists at Tenerife South airport (Getty Images)

When is Ryanair’s website and app down?

Due to scheduled maintenance, Ryanair’s website and app will both be down for 11 hours between 6pm November 8 and 5am November 9. The airline has warned passengers due to travel then that they should check in before 6pm November 8.

If you miss this check in deadline, it is possible to check in at the airport. However, Ryanair charges £55 per person (£30 if from Spain) for this.

When are the Ryanair strikes in Spain?

Ryanair’s Spanish staff, represented by the USO and SITCPLA unions, announced back in July that they would be striking weekly, starting from August 8 and continuing until January 7, 2023. The strikes — the company’s longest yet — will take place every Monday to Thursday during the period.

Although Spain is a top destination for the airline, local regulations mean that Ryanair and its staff are required to provide a minimum level of service during strike periods, so the most recent strikes haven’t been as disruptive as those elsewhere in Europe.

Previous strikes haven’t lasted as long, which means there could be more disruption this time. However, Ryanair still expects the latest round of strikes to have “minimal (if any)” effect on its services to and from Spain.

The airline said in a statement: “Ryanair has recently reached an agreement with the main Spanish CCOO union on pay, rosters and allowances for its Spanish cabin crew. Recent strikes by USO/SITCPLA have been poorly supported with minimal effect.

“Ryanair has operated over 45,000 flights to/from Spain over the last three months with less than one per cent affected by crewing and Ryanair expects minimal (if any) disruption this winter.”

How can I find out if my flight is cancelled?

Ryanair should be informing passengers ahead of time if any flights are cancelled, so make sure the airline has your correct details — including any email addresses or phone numbers — so you can receive notifications in time. You can also check if your flight is cancelled on Ryanair’s website.

What are my rights?

If flight disruption is caused by factors outside the airline’s control, such as a strike by air traffic controllers, UK and EU regulations on compensation and assistance may not apply – although airlines could still offer to rebook or refund you for cancelled flights.

If your flight is cancelled or delayed as a result of planned strike action by cabin crew, or other airline employed staff, you should be entitled to compensation. The amount would depend on how delayed your flight is; or in the case of cancellation, how far in advance you’re told and how delayed any proposed replacement flights are.

You can find out more, including how to make a claim, here. In the UK, unions must legally give at least 14 days’ notice before any proposed strike action. Unfortunately for travellers, if the airline cancels your flight more than two weeks before your scheduled departure, you won’t be entitled to any compensation — only a refund. If you decide not to travel because your new flights are too expensive, you could be left out of pocket for any hotels or other accommodation you’ve already booked.

With this in mind, it’s worth booking accommodation with a free cancellation policy in place so you can cancel at the last minute if you need to. Or alternatively, book a package holiday — if your flights are cancelled, you’ll be offered an alternative flight or a full refund on your holiday if it’s not possible. It’s also worth having comprehensive travel insurance in place so you can claim back any resulting losses.

• Read our tips for how to deal with travel chaos

Stymied by Ryanair strikes? Here are the best Jet2 holidays* and Tui breaks* to choose from.

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