Northern Ireland

Ryanair asked to explain why flights from Irish airports are more expensive

Ryanair has been asked to explain why flights from Ireland to sunshine destinations are five times more expensive than those from UK airports. Picture by Niall Carson/PA Wire
Ryanair has been asked to explain why flights from Ireland to sunshine destinations are five times more expensive than those from UK airports. Picture by Niall Carson/PA Wire Ryanair has been asked to explain why flights from Ireland to sunshine destinations are five times more expensive than those from UK airports. Picture by Niall Carson/PA Wire

RYANAIR is coming under pressure to explain why flights from the Republic to sunshine destinations are five times more expensive than those from UK airports.

Irish holiday makers hoping to grab a Spring or Summer bargain in the coming months could find themselves paying well over the odds than their English counterparts.

On Saturday, May 8, anyone flying from Dublin to Tenerife South, at 2.35pm, will pay €146.99 to fly with Ryanair.

Some travellers may believe this to be a bargain price until they learn that someone flying to the same destination on the same day from a UK airport will pay only a fraction for the same flight.

A flight from East Midlands Airport, also on Saturday, May 8, at 3.10pm, will pay just £24.89.

In addition, someone flying from Bristol, on the same day, at 3.10pm, will pay £38.99 while a flyer taking the trip from Birmingham, at 3.15pm that day, will pay £46.99.

The issue was also highlighted this week on RTÉ's Liveline programme with Joe Duffy.

The show revealed that on Easter Monday, April 18, a flight from Dublin to Tenerife will cost a flyer €230.90. However, someone flying from Birmingham at around the same time, will only pay £30.

In addition, someone flying from Edinburgh, will pay £54.

Speaking on the issue Duffy said: "We'd love someone from Ryanair to come on and explain that difference.

"Three airports. Same carrier. Same day. The airports are about, if you fly, 20 minutes away from Dublin Airport.

"Dublin is up to six times more expensive on the same day as Birmingham is. Shocking to say the least".

Ryanair were asked for comment.