Cyprus Airways closes down – Ryanair launches rescue fares for its stranded customers

Foreword

The European Commission ordered struggling airline Cyprus Airways to pay back over 100 million euros it received in state aid from the Cypriot government in 2012 and 2013, it said in a statement on Friday.

EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said that Cyprus Airways had no possibility of becoming viable without continued state subsidies, meaning the money would have to be recovered by the government.

Cyprus suspended operations at its flag carrier Cyprus Airways after the European Commission ordered the struggling airline to pay back over 65 million euros in illegal state aid.

The last flight will take place Friday night, government officials said. And indeed, Last flight CY337  from Athens landed at Larnaca 20:56 local time.

Ryanair wanted to take over Cyprus Airways, but was prevented from doing so.

Ryanair statement

Ryanair today (9 Jan) announced rescue fares for customers affected by the collapse this afternoon of Cyprus Airways. These rescue fares, starting from just €49.99, will help customers left stranded following the closure of Cyprus Airways and are available for booking and travel from Friday, 9^th to Friday, 16^th January.

Ryanair’s Robin Kiely said:

“Cyprus customers can avail of these Ryanair rescue fares, starting from just €49.99, and should log onto the Ryanair website, with fares from Athens and Thessaloniki (to Paphos) starting at just €49.99, and fares from London Stansted to Paphos at just £69.99, on the Ryanair.com website.

Cypriot consumers already choose Ryanair for our low fares, industry leading customer service and great route choice. Now they can also book their flights even earlier on our improved website and great new app, carry a free small 2nd carry-on bag, enjoy allocated seats, avail of our new Family Extra and Business Plus services, and use their personal electronic devices at all stages of their flight, as Ryanair continues to deliver so much more than just the lowest fares.”

RYANAIR RESCUE FARES* – 9^th Jan to 16^th Jan 2015

09 Jan 2015