The key facts

  • Michael O'Leary called von der Leyen 'useless' and the European Parliament a 'ship of fools'
  • Ryanair is cutting 1 million seats in winter, including in Belgium and Germany
  • Reasons: rising aviation taxes and, in O'Leary's view, a 'hopelessly uncompetitive' Germany

Harsh criticism of EU leadership

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary criticised the green policy of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling her 'useless'. In his view, environmental initiatives add 'complexity and costs' to the industry. He called the European Parliament a 'ship of fools', claiming that its green laws increase the cost of air travel.

Winter schedule cuts

O'Leary is preparing to announce Ryanair's winter schedule against the backdrop of the airline cutting one million seats. The cuts affect, in particular, Belgium — following an increase in taxes on air passengers — and Germany, which O'Leary described as 'hopelessly uncompetitive'.