RYANAIR has warned passengers that more than 700 flights will be cancelled this winter.
The low-cost airline said it was due to “anti-competitive ‘slot blocking’" meaning they were unable to operate from a number of airports.
The cancellations affect flights to and from Lisbon, with the airline claiming it was due to the blocking of slots at the airports by Portuguese flag carrier TAP.
Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said: “We deeply regret these unnecessary disruptions to passengers from these cancelled flights and routes caused by TAP’s blocking of slots which it is not using.
“This anti-competitive slot blocking obstructs the growth of airlines and the recovery of traffic, tourism and jobs at Lisbon Portela Airport, to the detriment of Portuguese consumers.
“Ryanair remains committed to working with our airport partner in Lisbon, to support Portugal’s tourism recovery and to rebuild connectivity after the COVID pandemic.
“We now call on the Portuguese Government and the European Commission to intervene to free up these unused slots at Lisbon Portela Airport and to urgently open Lisbon Montijo Airport.”
The airline is also closing three routes entirely this winter, to Tours in France, Oujda in Morocco and Bari in Italy.
The airline confirmed that they will keep seven aircraft and some crew in place at Lisbon in the hope that they can reinstate the flights "if sufficient slots are freed up".
Passengers will be informed if their flights are cancelled, or can get in touch with the airline regarding the flight status.
Here is how to get a refund if your Ryanair flight is cancelled.
It isn't the only flight disruption passengers are facing in the next few weeks.
TUI has been forced to cancel flights to La Palma as the volcano continues to erupt on the island.
The tour operator confirmed all flights and holidays until November 3.
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