Ryanair sees some relief as British pilots accept pay deal

RYANAIR Holdings' British-based pilots accepted a new pay deal with the airline, avoiding any potential strike and giving the carrier some relief amid a wave of action from staff across Europe.

Ryanair members of the British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) voted to accept a revised pay offer from the airline, a union spokesperson said on Monday (Jun 20) by email.

BALPA had been in talks with Ryanair to restore pay after accepting so-called mitigation measures during the pandemic. Still, Ryanair faces a wave of strikes across Europe on Jun 25. Pilots and cabin crew in Italy, Spain, Portugal, France and Belgium are all seeking improved pay and conditions.

The strikes will add to travel woes as airports and carriers grapple with the surging demand from passengers. London Gatwick airport said last week that it would scrap hundreds of flights over the peak summer travel period; Amsterdam's Schiphol hub took a similar step. Meanwhile, Dublin Airport authorities have said they will compensate some passengers who missed their flights amid long queues.

Earlier on Monday, London's Heathrow airport asked airlines to cancel about 30 flights as it deals with the knock-on effect of a baggage system fault over the weekend. BLOOMBERG