Ryanair Strikes: Your Rights & Tips to Prepare for Flight Disruptions
Ryanair hasn’t had an employee strike since 2023, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be one in the future. Not only that but air traffic control and airport employee strikes can lead to flight disruptions, and it’s important to understand what to do if your flight is affected.
So what are your rights as a passenger when Ryanair strikes are looming, and can you make changes if you know your flight will be affected? Keep reading as we answer these questions and more.
Understanding Ryanair Strikes
It boils down to this: If your flight is delayed or cancelled because of a strike conducted by Ryanair staff, then you are eligible for financial compensation in addition to the care and assistance you would receive at the airport.
But if your flight was canceled or delayed because of an airport or air traffic control strike, you would still get help at the airport but you would not be eligible for cash compensation. Let’s explore this a little further:
Your Rights as a Ryanair Passenger
Under Regulation EU261/2004, Ryanair must provide you with a refund or an alternate booking if your flight is cancelled - no matter what kind of strike is taking place. Based on these rules, you can also be repaid up to 600 EUR if you arrive three or more hours late at your final destination.
What Ryanair Must Do to Assist During a Strike
If your flight is delayed or cancelled as a result of a Ryanair strike, and you’re stranded at the airport for 2 or more hours, the airline must provide meals and refreshment and hotel accommodation for overnight delays. If you have to pay for any essential out-of-pocket, remember to keep your receipts for reimbursement.
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How to Modify Your Ryanair Booking
If a strike has been announced, Ryanair will alert you by email, SMS, or via the mobile app with some rebooking options if they believe your flight will be or has been affected. If the alternate booking options don’t work for you, then you can choose a different booking at no extra cost or opt for a full refund.
- If you have a refundable ticket, you can make changes as you normally would, given the policies for your particular booking.
- If you have a non-refundable ticket, but you haven’t been contacted by the airline, you will have to contact Ryanair to see if they allow any flexibility for changes or cancellations.
- If you cannot make changes without extra fees, then wait until Ryanair cancels your flight, so you can get a rebooking or a refund automatically.
Steps to Prepare for a Ryanair Strike
- When you hear that a strike has been called, look for updates on the Ryanair mobile app or on their website.
- Sign up for Ryanair SMS and email alerts, if you haven’t already.
- Check with your travel insurance or the credit card you used to purchase your ticket to see what is covered for flights disrupted by strikes.
- Review the terms and conditions of your booking so you have a better understanding of whether or not you can make changes.
- Pack essentials in your carry-on baggage to help you ride out delays in the airport.
How Often Does Ryanair Have Strikes?
Ryanair hasn’t had a strike since 2023, but here are some of the work stoppages they’ve had prior to that.
Event | Details |
2023 Pilot Strike | Ryanair pilots in Belgium went on strike several times which led to many disruptions at Charleroi Airport. The first strike that took place in mid-July resulted in 120 cancelled flights. The other strikes had roughly 100 flights canceled each time. brusselstimes.com |
2019 Cabin Crew & Pilot Strikes | Ryanair has work stoppages in several countries, including Spain, Portugal, the UK, and Ireland. The strikes led to flight cancellations, disrupting the travel plans of thousands of travellers. standard.co.uk |
2018 Cabin Crew & Pilots | “In total, around 10 percent of Ryanair's German flights will be affected while around 6 percent of Ryanair's EU flights are affected.” Almost 200 Ryanair flights across Europe were canceled when staff in six European countries went on strike. dw.com |
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Author:
Joanna Teljeur
Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead
Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development, specialising in consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work focuses on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.
