Ryanair’s commercially aggressive response to the downturn in the aviation industry continued today with the announcement of 300,000 free one-way tickets on many of its European routes.
Thirty of Ryanair’s 56 European flights from Britain to destinations including Dublin, Glasgow, Venice and Salzburg will be given away free with only airport-landing fees, a handling charge and British government-imposed air passenger duty being charged.
The offer does not apply to routes emanating from Ireland but the company confirmed that flights from Irish airports to any of the 30 destinations could be bought one-way with the return flight being free.
In what is traditionally a fallow period for the airline industry, the company says the offer will help bring extra tourists to Ireland.
From December 1st-18th and the 8th-31st of January 2002, 200,000 seats on routes from London Stansted, 50,000 seats from Glasgow Prestwick and 50,000 seats from Brussels Charleroi will be free.
The cost of the one-way flights announced today, with duties and charges allowed for, will normally be around £14 and will be available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and selected flights on Saturdays.
"Many of our competitors previously questioned whether we would ever be able to give away free seats. Well today Ryanair proves the doubters wrong," director of sales and marketing in the UK, Mr Tim Jeans said.
The flights can be booked through Ryanair’s website and will be available until midnight on Thursday.