Ryanair have blamed “a technical glitch” for a series of emails sent out at 01.30am on Friday morning mistakenly cancelling upcoming flights across Europe.
The flights were later reinstated, causing further distress among passengers. Many had rebooked by then
One passenger who contacted Travel Extra said his return flights to Edinburgh were cancelled, and he immediately rebooked flights with Aer Lingus Contact with Ryanair chat seeking a refund took three yours and the customers services agent then left the chat
Affected passengers received misleading emails, initially informing them of cancellations before subsequent communications clarified that their flights would operate as scheduled.
The airline offered affected passengers the option to claim refunds if they booked alternative flights, although some reported difficulties in processing refunds.
Ryanair acknowledged the error and stated it would ensure that those who incurred costs due to the cancellations could recover their expenses, despite mixed responses from customer service.
The email said “You can avail of rerouting to your destination and reasonable care, or a full refund of the cost of your ticket. You can change to alternative flights online, free of charge,” it said.
However, at 10:42am a a text from Ryanair said: “Your flight is not cancelled and will operate as scheduled. Please check your email for further information”.
A further email from Ryanair then said “you have received an email last night incorrectly advising that your flight is cancelled. This email was sent in error. Your flight is not cancelled. We are currently in the process of reinstating flights and you will receive confirmation that your booking has been reinstated via email today.”
If passengers had already changed flight or requested a refund for this flight, and you wish to travel as scheduled please contact our customer service team. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Ryanair shared “a tech glitch on Thursday caused a small number of flights to be cancelled, but they were reinstated on Friday morning and passengers notified.
This would effect a tiny few passengers and the error was corrected within approximately 14 hours. Anyone who can show they booked alternative flights with other airlines would not be out of pocket as they can claim a full refund.
One passenger who did get through was told “Ryanair flights are non-refundable. Changes to flight dates, routes, times, and customer names can be made online prior to the initial date of travel, our standard fees and fare difference may apply. We sympathise with your circumstances but we are not in a position to process your refund request and recommend that you contact your travel insurer with regard to this matter.”
