Ryanair chief says, ‘no reason why Brits can’t confidently book summer travel’

Ryanair chief has spoken out and said that he is optimistic that people can travel this summer, despite Grant Shapps saying no one can travel until all have been vaccinated.

Ryanair’s chief executive, Michael O’Leary said he was optimistic that Brits will be able to travel internationally from May.

He also warned that if the government does not allow this, then it will be a very difficult summer for the aviation industry.

Speaking to Sky News, O’Leary said, “If Britain is vaccinated, more than half of everyone down to the age of 50, by the end of May, there would be very little justification for lockdown’s travel restrictions continuing for that date. And the government themselves have said that the local elections can go ahead.

“So if you’re safe to be wandering around and knocking doors in a local election, we see no reason why British citizens can’t confidently book their summer travel, certainly to destinations in Europe.”

He added, “Many companies will not see their way through next winter if we go through a second summer of no bookings.”

The Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps has warned that holidays abroad will remain banned until “everybody” has been vaccinated, and said it is far “too soon” to book any trips. Under the current third lockdown all leisure travel is prohibited.

However, a senior Tory MP Sir Charles Walker, who is also the vice-chairman of the 1922 Committee has branded Grant Shapps as “totally irresponsible.”

Sir Charles hit out at the Transport Secretary for saying there will be no summer holiday and said that there is “no excuse.”

Speaking to Sky News, Sir Charles said: “Last year, summer holidays went ahead, caseload was very low. This year we have a vaccine with very high efficacy rates.

“I’m afraid there is no excuse.”