Ryanair May Close Valencia Ba

RNS Number : 7924F

Ryanair Holdings PLC

14 October 2008

 



Ryanair MAY CLOSE VALENCIA BASE DUE TO REGIONAL GOVERNMENT'S FAILURES

Ryanair, Europe's largest low fares airline, today (Tuesday, 14th October 2008) announced that it may be forced to close its Valencia base following the failure of Regional Government (Conselleria de Turisme) to reply to Ryanair's proposal on how to ensure the continued growth of passengers at Valencia and their repeated failure to meet with Ryanair. 

Ryanair has set a deadline of this coming Friday, 17th October for a response from the Government before it makes its final decision on the future of its base at Valencia airport.

Since Ryanair began flying to Valencia in 2004 passenger numbers have increased each year. Ryanair currently operates 22 international routes to and from Valencia, all of which are at risk if Ryanair must close all operations to/from Valencia.  

Ryanair is the largest airline flying to Valencia but, despite its importance to the local economy, the government has opted to support other airlines that have not provided a fraction of the growth which Ryanair has to the airport. Instead it has chosen to ignore all efforts by Ryanair to collaborate in ensuring the continued growth in passenger traffic at the airport.

Speaking today, Ryanair's Deputy Chief Executive, Michael Cawley, said:

'Ryanair has once again proven that it is the lowest fares, best punctuality and fewest lost bags that passengers really want. That is why over one and a half million passengers will choose Ryanair this year to travel to/from Valencia.  It is madness that the Regional Government is risking the livelihoods of the tourism industry by ignoring our repeated attempts to meet with them. 

'Ryanair calls on the Regional Government of Valencia to act in the best interest of all those living and working in Valencia and to meet with Ryanair to agree the terms under which we can continue to grow traffic and passenger numbers with all its consequential economic and social benefits'. 

Ends.                                                                                     Tuesday, 14th October 2008

For further information:
Stephen McNamara                                                            Pauline McAlester
Ryanair                                                                                Murray Consultants 
Tel: [phone]                                                        Tel: [phone]

 

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