Latest news with #Ryanair
Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ryanair refuse to allow Irish Liverpool fan to bring power wheelchair on flight
A mother has slammed Ryanair for taking away her son's 'independence' and making him feel like an inconvenience' after he was told he couldn't bring his power wheelchair on a flight. Daire Gorman is a 13-year-old from Monaghan who has no arms or legs. He was born with a rare condition called Crommelin syndrome, a condition which impacts the development of limbs. Young Daire is a diehard Liverpool fan and went viral last year in a heart-warming video that saw him meet the entire Liverpool squad and then manager Jurgen Klopp. The Monaghan native was set to travel to Liverpool to see his beloved reds lift the Premier League trophy at Anfield last weekend, but just a few days before the trip, Daire's mother, Shelley, was asked by Ryanair whether the power wheelchair was able to be folded, before informing her that Daire's wheelchair exceeded the airline's maximum dimensions. In an interview with the Irish Times, Shelley speaks of the ordeal. After being asked whether the Wheelchair could be folded, Shelley "replied saying it was a power wheelchair and couldn't fold down." When informed that the chair would be too big, Shelley rang special assistance customer service: 'I ended up ringing special assistance customer services and they asked could he not go without the chair, and refused to take his chair.' 'As a parent, you try and do your best for your children and especially children with additional needs and protect them from negativity – my child needs his wheelchair, imagine asking can he not go without it.' She claims that Ryanair initially refused to offer a refund before relenting. It wasn't needed in the end as the family were able to source a manual wheelchair which was used on the day. But this, according to Shelley, led to more difficulties. She said Daire needed to use an "aisle chair" to transfer onto the plane seat. She also claims that Daire entered the plane last, when the aircraft was full, resulting in him being pushed the entire length of the plane, 'knocking off people' and 'losing his dignity (with) everyone watching him transfer on to the seat'. She said that the airline 'completely took Daire's independence away and made him feel like an inconvenience', In response to Shelley's complaints, Ryanair issued a statement to the Irish Times. In the statement, they say 'regrettably, these emotive claims made by his mother are false. She fails anywhere in her complaint to accept that this wheelchair exceeded our well-publicised max dimensions.' A Ryanair spokesperson said the max dimensions information was 'readily available to Ms Gorman when this booking was made and if she had simply complied with them then that would have been the end of the matter'. The airline also denies asking Daire's mother whether he could travel without a wheelchair and confirms that they did offer a refund. Furthermore, the spokesperson explained that wheelchair boardings are handled by the Dublin Airport Authority and not by individual airlines. The statement states that Shelley's 'claim that 'Ryanair completely took Daire's independence away' is false and absurd'. Ryanair did not respond to the Irish Times' follow up queries relating to Daire's positioning at the back of the plane. On Friday, Shelley appeared on Northern Sound radio to speak more on the issue: "He was devastated. It's hard enough for someone in a wheelchair, especially a child with additional needs. They find it hard sometimes to fit in. "So yeah, he was very upset. And he thought then 'oh this is my fault. If I wasn't in a chair this wouldn't be happening.' "So he was very upset." Ryanair have been contacted by the Irish Mirror for comment on the matter.
Business Post
8 hours ago
- Business
- Business Post
What the Papers Say: O'Leary double windfall; Jamie Dimon says bond market will crack; Trump 50% steel tariff threat
10 am - Good morning from the Business Post newsroom. Editor Daniel McConnell here with your Saturday morning spin through the stories making the headlines in Ireland and across the world. Michael O'Leary unlocks double Ryanair windfall thanks to share price rise Ryanair's rising share price over the past month has delivered a double windfall to Michael O'Leary, the Irish Independent reports. The high-profile businessman has met a key condition to lock in a shares bonus worth around €128m after Ryanair stock closed above €21 for a 28th straight day on Thursday. As long as O'Leary is still in his job in July 2028, he now has a right to buy 10 million Ryanair shares at €11.12 each – less than half the current value. The rising share price also pays off in the short term for Mr O'Leary, lifting the value of the 44.1 million shares he already owns. That stake has increased in value by €128m since the start of May, as Ryanair shares rose from €20.43 each to €23.34 a share by Friday afternoon. Shares in Hvivo nosedive as it loses key contract and postpones another Shares in Irish clinical trials company Hvivo plummeted more than 47 per cent on Friday after the group told investors of the cancellation of a 'significant' contract and the postponement of another, the Irish Times reports. The company, which is listed in London, informed the market on Friday it had received notification of the cancellation of a 'significant human challenge trial', alongside the postponement of another, as well as the cancellation of a 'smaller study'. The share price closed down just over 46 per cent. Human challenge trials, where products are tested on humans in a controlled environment, make up a significant portion of the group's business. Jamie Dimon warns US bond market will 'crack' under pressure from rising debt Jamie Dimon has warned that the US bond market will 'crack' under the weight of the country's rising debt as he called on Donald Trump's administration to place America on a more sustainable trajectory. The JPMorgan Chase chief executive said on Friday that he had cautioned regulators: 'You are going to see a crack in the bond market.' He added: 'I'm telling you this is going to happen. And you are going to panic. I'm not going to panic. We'll be fine.' The warning from the head of the US's biggest bank about mounting risks for the US bond market — which sets borrowing costs for trillions of dollars in debt globally — underscores how Wall Street is growing increasingly uneasy about rising government debt levels. It comes as Congress is reviewing Trump's 'big, beautiful' budget bill, which if passed is broadly expected to markedly increase the federal deficit. Donald Trump says he will double steel and aluminium tariffs to 50% Donald Trump said he would double tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from 25 per cent to 50 per cent in a fresh escalation of his global trade war, the Financial Times reports. The US president unveiled the increased levies as he touted a $15bn partnership between Nippon Steel and US Steel at a rally in Pennsylvania, promising to erect a tariff 'fence' around domestic metals production. 'We're going to bring it from 25 per cent to 50 per cent, the tariffs on steel into the United States of America, which will even further secure the steel industry,' he told the crowd in West Mifflin. 'Nobody is going to get around that . . . At 25 per cent, they can sort of get over that fence. At 50 per cent they can no longer get over the fence.' The new levies will take effect from June 4, the president wrote in a Truth Social post following the rally. Trump has sought to revitalise America's industrial heartlands by aggressively targeting what he sees as dumping by foreign importers. In March, he slapped 25 per cent levies on steel and aluminium imports in one of the first broadsides of his global trade war. Musk exits Trump administration but claims Doge 'just the beginning' US president Donald Trump praised billionaire Elon Musk's efforts to cut federal spending during a joint press conference in the Oval Office on Friday, as the Tesla chief departs the administration after a chaotic tenure that saw the elimination of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in contracts. Mr Musk, who headed the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), disrupted numerous agencies across the federal bureaucracy but ultimately fell far short of the massive savings he had initially promised. A White House official said on Wednesday that Mr Musk would be leaving the administration. "Elon has worked tirelessly helping lead the most sweeping and consequential government reform programme in generations," Mr Trump said from behind the Resolute Desk, as Musk stood to his right, wearing a black Doge hat and a t-shirt that read "The Dogefather" in the style of the movie "The Godfather."
Malay Mail
9 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Jackpot! Ryanair CEO O'Leary set for €111m bonus as shares surge
DUBLIN, May 31 — Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary is on track to receive more than €100 million (US$113.6 million) worth of share bonuses, reported PA Media/dpa. The longstanding boss has qualified for the share options after shares in the Dublin-based company hit a six-year-old target. Shares in the budget airline have met a requirement to close above €21 for a 28th consecutive day. The share rule was set up in February 2019, requiring the consistently high level of shares before 2028. It would provide him with 10 million shares worth around €111.2 million. O'Leary will receive the share package if he stay with the business, which he has led since 1994, until 2028. Ryanair shares sat at €23.28 on Friday despite dipping slightly from their peak the previous day. Ryanair has been contacted for comment. When asked about the share option earlier this month, O'Leary said: 'I think we're delivering exceptional value for Ryanair shareholders in an era when Premiership footballers and managers are getting paid 20-25 million a year. 'I think Ryanair shareholders are getting a particular value out of our share options - both mine and the rest of the management team.' Rival low-cost rival carrier Wizz Air has a similar pay pledge for its chief executive Jozsef Varadi, which would provide him with £100 million (US$135 million) worth of bonuses if its share reached £120 by 2028. Its shares are currently valued at around £16. — Bernama/dpa
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Europe's best country to visit in 2025 has Maldives-like coast and ancient city
The world's best countries to visit in 2025 have been ranked with one gorgeous European destination taking the top spot - and it's got heaps for Brits to explore The world's best country to visit in 2025 has been revealed, and it boasts some incredible Maldives -worthy beaches, not to mention it's easy for Brits to visit on a budget as it's in Europe. Albania has been emerging as must-visit holiday destination in recent yers, and now travel insiders have ranked it as the top spot that's 'preserved from mass tourism, authentic and affordable', closely followed by Colombia and Laos. The travel experts at HelloSafe, who conducted the study, explained: "Among the top-rated European destinations in 2025, Albania stands out with its still largely unexplored mountainous landscapes, Ionian beaches and excellent value for money." According to the research, the best months to visit are between May and September, which isn't surprising considering this is when the country boasts some enviable hot and sunny weather, with temperatures reaching an average of 32-33C across July and August. There's so much to see and do across the country, but the team flagged that if you're only going to visit one area, make it the "preserved valley of Theth, nestled in the heart of the Albanian Alps". Theth itself is a small village that looks like it's straight out of a storybook, thanks to the lush green valley that surrounds it, complete with ethereal waterfalls and colourful flowers. Hikers will definitely want to don some sturdy boots and take on many of the countless trails that weave through the landscape, with some Instagram-worthy views. For those after more social media fodder, the small coastal village of Ksamil is worth having on your radar. Dubbed 'Europe's answer to the Maldives', it boasts plenty of incredible white beaches and crystal-clear waters, while the Ksamil Islands can be reached by boat or even by kayak if you fancy a day trip. (It's also just a 30-minute ferry ride from Corfu if you want to add a Greek island to the itinerary!). Meanwhile, the 'Stone City' of Gjirokastër is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, because of its 'rare examples of an architectural character typical of the Ottoman period'. This citadel town, along with Berat which is part of the site, looks like it belongs in a film set with the ancient ruins, historic churches and dense green surroundings. For those who prefer a city break, the Albanian capital, Tirana, is sure to tick all of the boxes. Boasting an enviable nightlife, plenty of restaurants and heaps of museums to explore, the city also has a plethora of attractions to fill up the itinerary whether that's taking in the mountain views from the cable car, discovering the Cold War bunkers, or taking a guided walking tour of all of the incredible street art nestled across the city. If you want to visit Albania, one of the easiest routes is to fly direct to Tirana, with airlines including Wizz Air and Ryanair offering a range of options from the UK, with fares starting from £19.99 each way (excluding luggage fees).
Irish Independent
15 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘It's been a great adventure' – Peter Bellew leaves Riyadh Air role after almost three years
Mr Bellew has been with the airline, which is due to begin scheduled flights later this year, for almost three years and his current role was announced just over two years ago. Earlier this year, Riyadh Air postponed its launch date to later in 2025 due to supply chain issues at Boeing. The carrier is aiming to make Riyadh a hub for traffic between Asia, Africa and Europe. By 2030 its target is to serve 100 destinations. Riyadh Air, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, will be the second flag-carrier in the country, with the government already owning airline Saudia. Riyadh Air has billions of dollars' worth of orders from Boeing and Airbus and is planning to have a fleet of up to 200 jets. Getting a new widebody airline licence, launching an airline, and building a super team was fascinating Last autumn, it placed an order for 60 Airbus A321 jets and it also has orders for Boeing Dreamliners. Riyadh Air's CEO is Tony Douglas, a former executive at Abu Dhabi's Etihad. Mr Bellew confirmed his departure from Riyadh Air. 'It has been a great adventure with Riyadh Air for the last three years,' he said. 'Getting a new widebody airline licence, launching an airline, and building a super team was fascinating. Being welcomed by the wonderful Saudi people was the highlight.' He said he is 'optimistic for the future' and that the 'journey is the reward'. Mr Bellew, from Co Meath, was CEO of Malaysia Airlines before rejoining Ryanair in 2017 as chief operations officer. He was hired by Michael O'Leary as Ryanair dealt with pilot unrest that ultimately resulted in company-wide union recognition. In 2019, Mr Bellew announced that he was leaving Ryanair and later said he would be joining EasyJet as its chief operating officer. Ryanair tried to enforce a non-compete clause, taking a case against Mr Bellew in the High Court. But Mr Bellew won, with the High Court ruling a non-compete clause in his contract was not enforceable. Mr Bellew resigned from EasyJet in 2022. Mr Douglas told Reuters last month that Riyadh Air would be interested in acquiring Boeing aircraft that Chinese carriers have opted not to take due to the trade war that erupted between the US and the rest of the world, should the opportunity arise..
