Ryanair released five-step safety guidelines on how it will operate amid the Coronavirus pandemic, as the airline is preparing to resume 40% of its scheduled flights as of July 1.
“Ryanair will work closely with public health authorities to ensure that these flights comply, where possible, with effective measures to limit the spread of Covid-19”, said Ryanair’s CEO Eddie Wilson in an announcement issued on May 12.
Europe’s largest low-cost airline published safety guidelines for five stages; before flying, while at the airport, when boarding, on board, and when landing.
According to the announcement, Ryanair advises passengers to opt for carrying their cabin bags with them, check their temperature at home, and wear a mask at all times. At the airport, travellers should use the automated kiosk to check their bag and the fast track if possible, as well as to keep social-distance and use hand sanitiser if not wash their hands.
While boarding, passengers should not queue at gates but have their passport open and ready to scan. The airline’s crew will be wearing masks at all times, and the aircrafts, that use filtration systems with hospital standards, will be professionally cleaned and disinfected on a daily basis. Inflight service will be limited and sales will be cashless. Upon arrival, passengers should maintain their mask and keep social-distance.
The company’s CEO said that as the example of Asia has shown, “temperature checks and face masks/coverings are the most effective way to achieve this on short haul (1 hour) within Europe’s single market.”
Ryanair will also require passengers flying in July and August to fill in details of how long their planned visit will be, and also their address while visiting another EU country, the company’s announcement reads.
This contact information will be provided to EU Governments to help them monitor any isolation regulations they require of visitors on intra-EU flights, the statement adds.
Earlier in May, Ryanair announced plans to cut up to 3,000 jobs, mostly pilots and cabin crew, and a 20% pay cut to the remaining staff, in a bid to survive the Coronavirus crisis.
