Ryanair has this week announced plans to cut traffic from Warsaw Modlin by 50% due to disputes, and will divert some assets to Chopin instead.
The Irish low-cost carrier released such information this week, which we will detail in this article.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
The Ryanair Plan for Warsaw Modlin & Chopin…
On August 15, Ryanair announced that they will reduce traffic at Warsaw Modlin Airport by 50% and divert one of their aircraft to Chopin instead.
This is due to disputes with the airport whilst undergoing management changes.
Despite this, the Irish airline will still provide flights on 22 routes in and out of the Polish airport.
Such management changes are preventing negotiations or decisions being made.
It is clear to note also that Ryanair is wanting to grow out of Warsaw Modlin Airport as well as Chopin.
McGuinness: No One At The Airport Willing to Make Decisions…
Expanding on this further was Ryanair Chief Commercial Officer Jason McGuinness, who said the following on the Warsaw Modlin & Chopin operations:
“We have been negotiating with the management and supervisory board of Modlin Airport for over a year on a low-cost agreement that would enable Ryanair to continue to grow passenger numbers at Modlin.”
“The management team at the airport is currently in the process of change, and there is no one willing to make decisions on the development until a new management team is in place.”
“We cannot accept these long delays or incur losses at Modlin during the 2024 winter season, offering the very low fares required to stimulate demand at Warsaw’s second airport, while the management team is trying to impose charges that are typical of major airports.”
“We regret these cuts but they will create more growth opportunities at other Polish airports, including Warsaw Chopin Airport, where we welcome the recent decision by the Government to increase capacity to 30 million passengers per year.”
“In the meantime, Ryanair will continue to offer 22 routes to/from Modlin this winter, although unfortunately the reduced capacity will mean higher fares for consumers, reflecting the unjustified higher costs at Modlin.”
“We will also offer 6 routes to/from Chopin Airport, meeting the growing needs of Warsaw residents and visitors who want to fly Ryanair at low prices to/from the Polish capital.”
“We look forward to the appointment of a new management team at Modlin in September and hope that they will quickly reach agreement on a new long-term development/cost agreement, which will allow us to reverse these cuts and return to growth in traffic and employment for the 2025 summer season.”
Overall…
In conclusion, this is not good news for Ryanair nor Warsaw Modlin Airport, with Chopin set to benefit temporarily from an extra aircraft.
Moreover, it is going to be interesting to see what happens in the months ahead when the new airport management is in place.
If the Irish low-cost carrier can get the decision they want, then this will encourage growth out of the region.
But for now, all eyes will be on what comes next for the Polish airport and the Irish airline.
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