Ryanair cancels flights as UK tourists given choice of 'reroute or refund'

A warning has been issued to Ryanair passengers as a security staff strike has 'forced' several flights to be cancelled. The airline has sincerely apologised to all affected customers, who have been given the option to 'reroute or refund' their journeys.

The disruption to flights has been caused by industrial action at Brussels South Charleroi Airport, which Ryanair said is 'beyond its control'. All airlines flying to and from CRL on Tuesday, October 22 are understood to be affected.

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In an alert issued to passengers, a Ryanair spokesperson said: "Due to another security staff strike at Brussels South Charleroi (CRL) Airport, we have been forced to cancel a number of flights departing this airport on Tuesday, October 22.

"Flights arriving in Brussels South Charleroi are unaffected by the strike and will operate as scheduled. Passengers affected by these cancellations have been notified of their options of reroute or refund via email.

"Ryanair sincerely apologises to affected passengers for any inconvenience as a result of this strike, which is beyond Ryanair's control and affects all airlines operating to/from Brussels South Charleroi on Tuesday, October 22."

It comes after more Ryanair passengers were hit by extensive delays on Monday, October 21 due to European ATC staff shortages. The airline said at the time: "ATC services, which have had the benefit of no French ATC strike disruption this summer, continue to underperform, despite flight volumes being 5 per cent behind 2019 levels, with repeated staff shortages.

"On Monday, October 21, Ryanair's first wave departures were again delayed due to ATC staff shortages. These repeated flight delays due to ATC mismanagement are unacceptable.

"We apologise to our passengers for these repeated ATC flight delays which are deeply regrettable but beyond Ryanair's control. We encourage passengers to visit atcruinedourholiday.com and demand that the EU Commission take urgent action to improve Europe’s ATC system."