ITAA responds to Ryanair pilots’ vote to strike

The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) today expressed their concern as Irish-based Ryanair pilots have voted to take industrial action, effecting flights scheduled for next week.

Pat Dawson, CEO of the ITAA, said, “We’re deeply disappointed to hear of the decision by pilots to strike next week as this will effect the peak of summer travel, causing major distress for holidaymakers. Any cancellations at this point will result in major consequences for travellers with booked accommodation and connecting travel plans completely disrupted, leading to additional costs to customers.”

He continued, “The ITAA is calling on Ryanair and its pilots to resolve these internal issues and end this proposed strike action. Passengers have already seen severe disruptions in the past number of weeks with the French Air Traffic Control strike and we hope that management will do everything possible to avoid any more interference with holiday plans. We would also ask that Ryanair keep customers up to date with any planned cancellations as soon as possible to ease the uncertainty faced by intending travellers and allow for alternative holiday arrangements to be made.”

Pat Dawson concluded, “All of our member travel agents will work to minimise the inconvenience to customers affected by this strike by keeping them up to date with cancellations as well as assisting them with rebooking flights and changing travel plans. We are advising all those planning to travel with Ryanair to contact their travel agent for further advice and to check CAR’s website www.aviationreg.ie for updates on entitlements.”

The ITAA represents Ireland’s travel Industry, bringing together 100 travel agent members and 70 affiliate partners. ITAA members cover over 140 outlets in different towns and cities throughout the Republic of Ireland. All travel agent members are licensed by the Commission for Aviation Regulation and are fully bonded providing full financial protection for their customers.