RYANAIR is refusing to offer customers refunds even if their flight is cancelled by Covid-19 restrictions to and from English airports.
The airline's chief executive Michael O’Leary announced that passengers wouldn't be able to get their money back, even if the UK government decides to ban all but essential travel in England as part of a second Covid-19 lockdown.
"There won't be refunds on flights that are operating and travelling," he said, "but we've waived the change fees for bookings."
On Saturday, England announced it would be heading back into lockdown on Thursday until December 2 - providing the motion is passed in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
Non-essential travel in and out of the country has been banned throughout November, and there are fears that if lockdown is extended into December, travel plans could be seriously impeded for anyone flying out of the country for Christmas.
Despite the restrictions on travel, people can still fly "for work, education or other legally permitted reasons".
Ryanair have announced they won't be refunded passengers for flights during lockdownDue to this, Ryanair say they haven't cancelled any of their flights that were scheduled during lockdown, but obviously not all passengers will be legally permitted to travel.
Thankfully, just like they did earlier in the year, Ryanair are allowing customers to change the date of their flight for free, so if your flight is cancelled or you're unable to travel, you're able to change the date and time free of charge.
Ryanair said the first lockdown and subsequent restrictions had resulted in an 80% drop in passenger numbers.
It said 17.1 million people travelled on the airline in the six months to September, compared with 85.7 million last year.
The carrier reported a €196.5m (£174m) loss for the period compared with a €1.15bn profit last year.
But it warned the situation was likely to worsen, saying it "will continue to be a hugely challenging year for Ryanair".
Over the weekend, O'Leary blasted the UK government's decision to lockdown again, branding it "completely ineffective" and a reflection of their failures in dealing with the pandemic.
See More: Air Travel, Covid-19, Lockdown, Michael O'Leary, Refunds, Ryanair
