Budget flight operator Ryanair has today issued a statement that they will be halting all passenger flights from today for the next two months due to the coronavirus crisis.
The firm will instead offer up their aircraft to European governments to deliver crucial supplies such as medicine as well as carrying out 'rescue flights'.
Ryanair, which also operate the Lauda, Air Malta and Buss services, added they "did not expect" to be making any journeys in April or May and that anyone who had already booked would receive an email with their "options".
The company stressed that communications would be as fast as possible - although they have had to reduce office staff by 50% for social distancing reasons.
The statement from Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary read: "As a group of airlines we expect most of our flights to be grounded from Tuesday, March 24 onwards.
"We have offered our aircraft to all EU Governments, both for rescue flights and to operate essential flights for the movement of vital medicines, personal protective equipment, and if necessary, emergency food supplies.
"We are continuing to work with EU Governments on rescue flights to return stranded passengers to their home country.
"In all cases, these flights take place under maximum safety, with daily disinfecting of aircraft, and no trolley service to minimise social contact. The safety and well-being of our crews and passengers is our no.1 priority."
"At this time, no one knows how long this Covid shutdown will last.
"Rest assured that we and the 18,000 aviation professionals in the Ryanair Group of Airlines will do everything we can to support our Governments, our people, and our customers during these unprecedented times."
