Ryanair expect further EU airline failures over the coming weeks.
Ryanair has confirmed it will cancel around 25% of its Italian flights over the next few weeks due to the coronavirus.
The affected flights were scheduled to fly during the period of March 17th to April 8th, and all passengers who will be impacted have been notified today.
Ryanair says it will continue to monitor bookings carefully, and will continue to flex its schedules in response to this developing situation.
The airline said it expects that Covid-19 will result in further EU airline failures over the coming weeks.
"Our focus at this time is on minimising any risk to our people and our passengers," Ryanair Group CEO, Michael O'Leary said.
"While we are heavily booked over the next two weeks, there has been a notable drop in forward bookings towards the end of March, into early April. It makes sense to selectively prune our schedule to and from those airports where travel has been most affected by the Covid-19 outbreak."
Mr O'Leary said this is a time for calm. "We will make sensible cuts to our schedules over the comings weeks to reflect weaker bookings, and changing travel patterns. All affected customers will be advised of any schedule changes at least 14 days in advance. While 80% of people who contract Covid-19 suffer only mild symptoms, the risk of infection can be significantly reduced by frequent hand washing with soap and water."
